Yukon RCMP work on First Nations relations

The Yukon's top Mountie says he is working on improving the RCMP's relationships with First Nations after the 2008 death of an aboriginal man in police custody.

Commanding officer Supt. Peter Clark spoke to CBC News for the first time since a coroner's inquest was held in the Dec. 2, 2008, death of Raymond Silverfox, 43, a member of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation.

The inquest, which took place last month, heard that Silverfox died after he had been held at the Whitehorse RCMP detachment's drunk tank for more than 13 hours, without any medical help offered to him during that time.

Silverfox was lying in a pool of his own vomit and feces while RCMP officers and detachment guards mocked and ridiculed him, the inquest heard. He was eventually taken to hospital, where he died of acute pneumonia.

"I can tell you that from my perspective, it should not happen. Our members are expected, and so are the staff, to give care and compassion to people that are in our custody," Clark said in an interview Wednesday.

"They should be safe and secure when with us, and that is the standard we expect our staff and our members to achieve. And I am committed to making sure that is understood and that we reach that."

RCMP condemned by chiefs

Since details of Silverfox's final hours came to light at the inquest, Yukon First Nation leaders have condemned the RCMP for their callous treatment of Silverfox.

In an open letter sent last week to the RCMP and the Yukon government, Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Ruth Massie said racist attitudes and cultural stereotypes in the police force were factors in Silverfox's death.

Clark said he is well aware of the public outcry against the RCMP, adding that he met recently with Massie to talk about easing tensions between the policeand First Nations.

"I've spoken about the letter. I have responded to her in a letter, and we have had some very good discussion since then," he said.

Clark said he is hoping to meet with other chiefs to discuss how the RCMP is already working with their communities.

When it comes to the current levels of mistrust that aboriginal people say they feel towards the RCMP, Clark said only having a dialogue with one another can address that issue.

LastFriday, Clark issued a video statement saying internal investigations will take place for five RCMP officers who were on duty the day Silverfox died. However, Clark would not elaborate on those investigationsWednesday.