Manitoba’s First Nations community mourns the loss of Elias Whitehead, a 37-year-old man who died while in police custody in Winnipeg. His loved ones, along with First Nations leaders in Manitoba and Ontario, held a news conference calling for changes in police procedures and expressing concern over the use of force during Whitehead’s arrest. They question why officers did not provide the help he needed when he was in distress.
On the night of October 15, police responded to reports of a man in distress running into traffic and acting erratically in the West Broadway neighborhood. Officers took Whitehead into custody, but he went into medical distress shortly afterward and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. The Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba is currently investigating the incident, as required in all in-custody deaths or serious injuries involving the police.
Cellphone footage from that night shows at least two officers holding Whitehead face down on the road while trying to restrain him. The video appears to show the officers punching him multiple times in the side of his body. Whitehead’s partner, Jody Beardy, expressed her distress and trauma after watching the video, asking where the help was for Elias.
Described by his community as humble and respectful, Whitehead had dreams for himself and Beardy. Destiny Kitchekeesik, a community justice worker with Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, called for Winnipeg police to meet with the family to address their questions and concerns.
Winnipeg Police Chief Danny Smyth defended the actions of the officers involved in Whitehead’s arrest, stating that they were responding to reports of a man assaulting a woman and acting erratically. Smyth highlighted that less than half a percent of calls involving police result in the use of force. He expressed his willingness to meet with the family but recognized that they have many unanswered questions.
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs sent a letter to Chief Smyth and Mayor Scott Gillingham, requesting an in-person meeting and asking for the advocacy group to be notified when a First Nations person dies in police custody. Chief Cornelius Wabasse from Webequie emphasized the need for answers and results as the community continues to grapple with the trauma of Whitehead’s death.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding Elias Whitehead’s death continue, the First Nations community in Manitoba hopes for accountability and changes to police procedures. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the use of force and the support provided to vulnerable individuals during interactions with law enforcement.
