Making the Max Kakegamic Case “The Talk Of The Town” across Ontario
ANISHINAABE PEACE & JUSTICE COALITION KENORA
Suite 225, 418 Second St. S., Kenora, ON … safety and dignity for all members of our shared community
For further information call Mary Alice Smith at 807-548-1470. Email: maryalic@kmts.ca
MEDIA RELEASE
December 11, 2004
Making The Max Kakegamic Case “The Talk Of The Town”
The Kenora Anishinaabe Peace & Justice Coalition is counting on Chief Curtis of the Kenora Police Service to do the right thing behind closed doors in dealing with misconduct charges against officers in the investigation of the death of Max Kakegamic. In the meantime the Coalition will focus its efforts on opening doors to keep this case “the talk of the town”.
Justice Hambly’s ruling of a mistrial and stayed charges this past March seemed to slam the door shut on hopes of ever finding out what really happened in the October 4, 2000 slaying of the young father on the streets of Kenora.
Speaking at a memorial on October 4, 2004 marking the fourth anniversary of her son’s death, Margaret Kakegamic of North Spirit Lake highlighted the family’s distress:
“Our son was murdered, and a prime suspect was set free because the police had been dishonest … We know that someone is responsible for his death, but no one is being tried for his murder. We know that there is an investigation of the officers of the Kenora Police Services, but that will not result in new charges against anyone. Maybe the officers will be disciplined, but that will not bring our son back. … It makes us wonder what kind of a justice system we have. What will be done to solve our son’s murder?
These unanswered questions challenge the justice system and citizens of the region to answer another question. Who cares? Or is this for most people just one more case of ‘another dead Indian’?
While the Kakegamics wait to see “what kind of a justice system we have”, the Coalition will launch a public awareness campaign in the new year to support the family’s call for an inquest and public inquiry. The question of “WHO CARES?” will be at the forefront.
The Coalition will also distribute ‘rights cards’ to youth and ‘street people’, offer training in advocacy and non-violent witnessing and look to other groups in the region such as the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee to help develop community based dispute resolution processes for investigating and resolving other incidents of disharmony.
Making the search for peace and justice in the Kakegamic case “the talk of the town”, could mark a turning point for Kenora … still referred to at times as ‘the Mississippi of Canada’.
As Max’s mother stressed, “We would like to see some good come out of this tragedy”.