OTTAWA -- Black and Indigenous women gathered in Ottawa to demand action following a spate of police-involved deaths, including nine Indigenous people who were killed in interactions with police in August and September.
The families, who often spoke through tears about their loved ones, say the federal government must launch a national inquiry into the deaths of them and others.
Laura Holland, a Wet'suwet'en woman and the mother of Jared Lowndes, says it's impossible to get justice for her son, saying politicians are not listening to victims and are refusing to meet with them.
She says there must be systemic change to the way police services operate.
The minister of Crown-Indigenous relations earlier called the string of deaths troubling and said he encouraged police services to ensure accountability and build trust.
Today, a spokesperson from Gary Anandasangaree's office says the department will support what communities want and need to address the issue.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.