The crisis response team of an Indigenous community in New Brunswick is urgently seeking assistance as their funding is nearing its end. Indige-Watch, an Indigenous-led group in Elsipogtog First Nation, collaborates with RCMP officers to address calls and defuse tense situations. However, the financial support for the program is set to expire soon.
This situation follows a tragic incident where an Indigenous man was fatally shot by police in another First Nation community in New Brunswick. The recent death of Bronson Paul in Neqotkuk First Nation has reopened old wounds for the Elsipogtog community. The deceased, Steven Dedam, a 34-year-old Mi’kmaw father and fisherman, was shot by an RCMP officer in Elsipogtog following reports of an unfolding incident on September 8, 2024.
Although an independent police oversight agency determined that the shooting was not a criminal act, the Serious Incident Response Team is currently investigating the circumstances around Bronson Paul’s shooting. Indige-Watch, which began in May 2023, is funded through March under Indigenous Services Canada’s Pathways to Safe Indigenous Communities Initiative. Unfortunately, the funding is non-renewable, and despite efforts to secure alternative funding, no viable options have been found yet.
While inquiries were made to Indigenous Services Canada about the possibility of extending funding, a response was not available at the time of reporting. Patrice Dedam, the executive director of Indige-Watch, highlighted that the program was established in response to the deaths of Chantel Moore and Rodney Levi in 2020, aiming to bridge the gap between Indigenous communities and law enforcement agencies.
Indige-Watch operates beyond the Elsipogtog reserve boundaries, responding to crisis situations and assisting in search and rescue operations. Dedam emphasized the importance of having an Indigenous team that understands and shares experiences with community members to effectively de-escalate challenging situations. The team’s presence, language, and cultural familiarity play a crucial role in diffusing tensions and providing comfort in vulnerable moments.
As the program faces financial uncertainties, Dedam stressed the necessity of governmental support and understanding in ensuring the continuity of this vital service. She emphasized the significance of having individuals who can relate to and support community members during their most vulnerable times.
