- Details
- By Kaili Berg
The Nunavik Police Service (NPS) responded to a disturbance call involving the brothers, and as the situation escalated, officers reportedly used pepper spray and electric shock weapons to subdue the men, ultimately resorting to gunfire.
The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), Quebec's police watchdog, is currently investigating the circumstances, while the Sûreté du Québec is conducting a separate criminal inquiry.
The incident has sparked outrage within the community of Salluit and beyond. On November 6, 2024, approximately 60 people gathered in Kuujjuaq, the administrative center of Nunavik, to protest the actions of the Nunavik Police.
The BEI has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, with five investigators assigned to the case. Additionally, the Sûreté du Québec has been tasked with conducting a criminal investigation to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the events.
The police shooting of the Papigatuk brothers underscores a broader pattern of police violence against Indigenous populations in Canada. According to a 2021 report, Indigenous people make up a disproportionate share of police-involved fatalities nationwide.
In Quebec, where Nunavik is located, the rate of serious incidents involving the NPS is among the highest in the province, with over four percent of cases investigated by the BEI occurring in Nunavik between 2016 and 2018.
Advocates argue that systemic racism, a lack of cultural understanding, and inadequate training have contributed to these alarming statistics.
In the aftermath of the Salluit incident, a GoFundMe campaign titled "Justice for the Salluit Twins" has been established to support the Papigatuk family. The funds aim to cover travel and accommodation expenses as the family seeks specialized medical and mental health services.
The death of Joshua and the critical injury of Garnet have reignited discussions about the urgent need for police reform and the implementation of non-lethal de-escalation techniques in interactions with Indigenous communities.
As investigations proceed, the Salluit community, along with advocates nationwide, continue to call for justice, transparency, and meaningful change to prevent such tragedies in the future.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Tribal Leaders Press Lawmakers for Solutions to Solve MMIW Crisis
Mary Peltola, First Alaska Native Member of Congress, Defeated by Trump-backed Candidate Nick Begich
Amnesty International: President Biden Must Change Course on Critical Human Rights; Release Leonard Peltier
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
