RCMP ‘refute’ Dene Nation allegation of systemic racism over arrest

The Dene Nation says the arrest of a Dene man this month involved excessive force that gave him severe hypothermia and frostbite. RCMP say the injuries were self-inflicted.

The two institutions offered sharply differing accounts of the same arrest.

In a Monday news release, the Dene Nation said a 25-year-old Dene man had been taken into custody without resisting, but had been left in the cold for so long that he developed injuries requiring treatment in Edmonton.

“We cannot remain silent while systemic racism continues to undermine the dignity and safety of Indigenous peoples,” Dene National Chief George Mackenzie was quoted as saying.

RCMP, responding a day later, identified the man detained as Elias Schiller, who is accused of assault and other crimes having recently finished a separate sentence for the manslaughter of taxi driver Ahmed Mahamud Ali.

Schiller had been the subject of a public appeal earlier this month as police tried to find and arrest him. According to a Tuesday RCMP news release, Behchokǫ̀ RCMP located him on Highway 3 in the early hours of December 14 but he was “confrontational with officers and refused to cooperate.”

Police said a struggle ensued involving a “conducted energy weapon and pepper spray” before Schiller was handcuffed. RCMP alleged he refused to get up off the ground and into a police vehicle, despite the cold.

“Although officers vocalized their concern for his wellbeing and repeatedly explained to him the need to get out of the cold for his own safety, he continued to be uncooperative and belligerent, stating that he would remain on the ground and physically resisted attempts to lift him,” RCMP stated.

“Additional resources were called to the scene, including emergency medical responders. Only with the combined efforts of five officers and paramedics was Mr Schiller finally lifted onto a stretcher and placed into a vehicle.”

On Monday, a Dene Nation employee identified Schiller as their son and sent Cabin Radio an image that appeared to show severe frostbite across most of his back. They confirmed the timing of the incident and described his transfer to Alberta for treatment.

They alleged Schiller had been pepper sprayed and tased multiple times, including while handcuffed, and asserted that he had been “harassed” by RCMP since his manslaughter sentence ended. They denied he had resisted arrest.

Schiller could not be reached for comment.

Read both statements: Dene Nation | RCMP

RCMP said a review had been initiated in line with police policy.

A spokesperson said RCMP had concluded as initial findings that Schiller resisted arrest, the use of force “was not excessive,” and officers “displayed a high degree of patience and professionalism” that recognized the implications of the cold.

“We are disappointed that Dene Nation would publicly make such claims and refute the allegations that systemic racism played a part in this interaction,” RCMP stated.

Police also said the incident was captured on body cameras, which were introduced in the NWT in late 2024. However, no footage of the arrest has been released.

Asked by Cabin Radio if that footage would be published – which police previously said might occur in matters of public interest – an RCMP spokesperson replied by email: “As the incident review has not been finalized, nor has the RCMP had the opportunity to discuss this incident with the Dene First Nation leadership, the RCMP will not consider releasing any [body camera video] at this time.

“The involved parties do, however, have the ability to make a formal request under the federal Privacy Act or Access to Information Act to view footage recorded of themselves at any time.”

Call for Indigenous policing

While alleging mistreatment of Schiller and calling for officers to undergo “urgent cultural awareness training,” Dene National Chief Mackenzie also made a broader call for an Indigenous police force in the North.

RCMP hold a long-term contract to provide policing services across the NWT, funded primarily by the territorial government with a federal contribution.

That contract is not permanent. The option exists for the territory to eventually find another provider.

A new Indigenous police force “would be better equipped to serve and protect Indigenous communities, ensuring that cultural sensitivities and community-specific needs are prioritized,” the Dene Nation stated on Monday.

“An Indigenous police force would not only build trust between law enforcement and Indigenous peoples but also offer a framework for more culturally sensitive policing practices.”

The GNWT has given no indication that it is considering another policing provider. Even so, the broader topic of Indigenous involvement in NWT policing has been raised in the legislature.

In October, Tu Nedhé-Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon asked if the territory would “ensure consultation with Indigenous leadership before renewing or modifying any RCMP contracts.”

In response, justice minister Jay Macdonald said the commander of NWT RCMP “has an Indigenous advisory committee that he meets with twice annually.”

“Part of that meeting and consultation process is to receive advice from those Indigenous leaders and participants from across the territory which are recommended and appointed by regional Indigenous governments and organizations across the NWT,” Macdonald said.

In their Tuesday response, RCMP said they were trying to set up a meeting with the Dene Nation to discuss the Schiller arrest.

“Our success as an organization is tied to the strength of our partnerships and we have invited the Dene National Chief to meet with us to discuss and gain clarity on this matter,” police stated, “as well as establish a better framework to avoid similar misunderstandings moving forward.”

Whether Mackenzie had agreed to such a meeting was not immediately clear. The Dene Nation has been approached for clarification.

“The Dene Nation is calling for comprehensive reforms to the NWT justice system to combat systemic racism against the Dene people,” Monday’s Dene Nation news release concluded.

“These reforms should include measures to ensure accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies, as well as initiatives to promote diversity and Dene National/Assembly of First Nations Office (NWT) inclusion within the justice system.

“The goal is to create a system that is fair, equitable, and reflective of the diverse communities it serves.”