Wolastoqey Nation chiefs hope for change after death of Oromocto First Nation woman
The six Wolastoqey Nation chiefs in New Brunswick are calling for more collaborative policing and help from federal and provincial governments after the loss of one of their own.
Oromocto First Nation member Sheri Sabattis died April 27, a week after her 54th birthday.
A 38-year-old man, Jared Smith, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with her death on April 28.
The six chiefs say Sabattis’ death was preventable because Smith had been banned from entering the community.
“The chief and the band council exercised their rights under section 81 of the Indian Act and section 30 of the Indian Act to banish the individual. And at that point if they were to set foot on reserve, they should have been removed by law enforcement and charged for trespassing,” said Chief Ross Perley.
Chief Perley is frustrated with law enforcement, but also with provincial and federal governments. He believes had decision-makers worked with the community to enforce their laws, Sabattis might be alive today.
“All of our communities have been calling on law enforcement to do a better job at drug enforcement in our communities. It hasn't been happening,” he said.
Sheri Sabattis is pictured. (Source: Oromocto Funeral Home)Alycia Bartlett, the province’s department of Indigenous Affairs spokesperson, said in an emailed statement the Government of New Brunswick has “received a request for assistance, and we will work with the community to provide whatever support is needed during this difficult time.”
“Government has engaged Indigenous leaders in how to effectively address concerns around criminal activity in their communities and will continue to work with any and all Indigenous leaders to develop solutions,” she said.
This weekend marks the 14th Red Dress Day, meant to remember missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and remind people these tragedies are still happening.
“We need to do something in this country to eliminate the violence against our women,” said Carol McBride, president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
McBride feels more trauma-informed policing is needed, but also hopes Canadians wrap their arms around families who’ve experienced this type of loss.
Her hope is for healing and change.
“It's so hard on our people to keep losing our sisters. This is unacceptable,” she said.
For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Family of toddler found dead at small-town Ont. daycare no closer to answers after year of investigation
A year has passed since two-year-old Vienna Irwin was found on the property of a home-based daycare in small-town Ontario, but her family says they are no closer to answers of what happened that day.
Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dead at 30
Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
Humboldt Broncos crash victims and families react to decision to deport truck driver
The family of one of the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018 says they are 'thankful' for a decision by a Calgary immigration board to deport the driver of the truck involved.
Fatal plane crash reported near Squamish, B.C.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has confirmed it is working with local Mounties and the BC Coroners Service after a plane crash near Squamish, B.C. Friday night.
'God forgives but we don’t': Loud outburst from stabbing victim’s family during sentencing hearing
An emotional outburst in a London, Ont. courtroom Friday disrupted the sentencing hearing of a woman who pleaded guilty for her part in the death of 29-year-old Mohammed Abdallah.
Three dead after vehicle plunged down a 100-foot embankment in Shediac, N.B.
Three people have died after a vehicle veered off the road in Shediac N.B., Friday morning.
Appeal denied for Edmonton soldier accused of trying to kill her 3 children
An Edmonton woman found guilty of trying to kill her three children has been denied an appeal.