The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner in British Columbia has taken steps to address the case of two officers who wrongfully handcuffed an Indigenous man and his granddaughter outside a Vancouver bank in 2019. Maxwell Johnson and his granddaughter, members of the Heiltsuk Nation, were detained by the officers when they attempted to open an account at the Bank of Montreal using their Indigenous status cards.
Following a discipline proceeding that found the officers, Canon Wong and Mitchel Tong, guilty of misconduct, they were ordered to provide oral apologies. However, the officers only provided written apologies, leading to further tension. To resolve the matter, retired B.C. Court of Appeal justice Wally Oppal has been appointed to conduct a full review, which may include the constables attending a Heiltsuk trauma-healing ceremony.
Marilyn Slett, the elected chief of the Heiltsuk Nation, expressed hope that this process will lead to healing for all parties involved. She emphasized the importance of a culturally appropriate washing ceremony and in-person apology as part of the healing process.
The appointment of an adjudicator follows the submission of new evidence highlighting the significance of an apology ceremony under Heiltsuk law. Commissioner Prabhu Rajan stressed the need for a resolution that respects Heiltsuk law and culture, aiming to improve the strained relationship between the officers and the Heiltsuk community.