By Canadian Press

Inuk man shot dead by police a victim of systemic racism: Crown-Indigenous minister

Nov 7, 2024 | 11:12 AM

MONTREAL — Canada’s minister for Crown-Indigenous relations says the killing of an Inuk man by police in an Inuit village in Quebec’s Far North is an example of systemic racism.

Gary Anandasangaree said today in a statement the death of Joshua Papigatuk earlier this week underscores the systemic racism Indigenous Peoples experience in the justice system.

Papigatuk was shot and killed and his twin brother Garnet was seriously injured after the Nunavik Police Service responded to a call about someone allegedly attempting to drive drunk early Monday morning.

The shooting in the community of Salluit, about 1,850 kilometres north of Montreal, has led to shock, anger and calls for change in the Nunavik region.

Anandasangaree offered his condolences to the family and says real structural change is necessary to address these injustices.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 28-November 3, 2024

Oct 28, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 21-27, 2024

Oct 21, 2024

Quebec’s police watchdog — Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes — has opened an investigation into the shooting.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 7, 2024.

Sidhartha Banerjee, The Canadian Press