Friends, family of Indigenous man who died in Calgary police custody march for justice on Truth and Reconciliation Day

Friends and family of an Indigenous man who died while in police custody two weeks ago marched in his honour in Calgary Monday, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Forty-two-year-old Jon Wells died at The Carriage House Hotel on Sept. 17 after a hotel employee reported to police he was acting strange and refusing to leave the lobby.

Police eventually restrained, beat, and tasered the Blood Tribe man before paramedics administered a sedative.

Wells died on scene.

The province’s police watchdog, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), is now investigating.

Wells has been described as a loving father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, and friend to many, as well as a successful cowboy.

“His legacy as a mentor, friend, and cowboy will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” says a social media post from family members.

Dozens gathered at the Carriage House Hotel at 1 p.m. to march to the Calgary Police Service (CPS) District 6 detachment.

Leslie Wells says about 100 people are making the drive from the Kainai area in southern Alberta to walk, and invited anyone who would like to show support and join in.

“Please come and join, anybody can come and join. If you can, wear an orange shirt, if you want to bring any signs — ‘Justice for Jon’ — it’s up to you but just come and support,” she said.

Laverne Wells, the aunt of John, says the family is still reeling.

“Right now, it’s still really fresh and raw, how we feel about this senseless death,” she told CityNews at the march. “It’s really hard, I don’t really know what to say. I have a lot of mixed emotions going through me, a lot of anger towards the police.”

Laverne says his impact on the community’s youth will be greatly missed.

“He was a well-respected individual in the community, he did everything he could to give back to the community. When he came to the youth [he helped] them overcome their trauma and addiction by using his horsemanship,” she explained. “Now, I don’t know what’s going to happen with the kids that are still dealing with these issues.”

Blood Tribe Chief Roy Fox says the nation is launching a formal complaint against the three officers involved in Wells’ death.

“While we work towards justice, let us support Mr. Wells’ family with dignity and compassion,” he said in a video message to members of his commun ity. “We are determined to pursue every path towards the administration of accountability.”

The case has caught the attention of Alberta’s premier, who spoke briefly about the situation Saturday on her Corus radio call in show.

“I don’t want to prejudge the income,” Danielle Smith said. “Let’s see what they discover and then we can work on the findings after that.”

Indigenous people are 13 times more likely to die in a police encounter in Canada.

At least 13 Indigenous people have died in Canada while encountering police this year.

Indigenous people make up 39 per cent of police-related deaths in Canada, even though they only make up about five per cent of the general population.