AMC Calls for Transparency and Support Following Fatal Officer-Involved Shooting in Winnipeg
June 19, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB (June 19, 2026) — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is expressing deep concern and calling for full transparency, accountability, and timely public communication following a fatal officer-involved shooting in Winnipeg on Friday, June 19, 2026.
According to information released by the Winnipeg Police Service and the Independent Investigation Unit of Manitoba (IIU), officers responded to a report of a domestic dispute involving concerns regarding an armed individual and the presence of four children in the home. A 26-year-old man was subsequently shot by police and later succumbed to his injuries. The IIU has assumed responsibility for the investigation.
“This is a tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased, and especially with the children and others who were present during this traumatic incident,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Any loss of life involving police use of force requires a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation. We acknowledge that body-worn camera footage and other evidence will form part of the Independent Investigation Unit’s review.”
Grand Chief Wilson also acknowledged that Winnipeg Police Chief Gene Bowers has indicated that Indigenous people were involved and that outreach has been made to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak to help ensure appropriate supports are available.
“We appreciate the efforts being made to ensure that those affected, particularly the children and family members, receive appropriate supports during this difficult time,” Grand Chief Wilson said.
Grand Chief Wilson emphasized that the facts surrounding the incident must be established through the independent investigation and that accountability requires transparency and public confidence in the integrity of that investigation.
“Families deserve answers, and the public deserves confidence that the circumstances surrounding this death will be fully examined and disclosed through proper investigative channels. For First Nations peoples, incidents involving police use of force must also be understood within the broader context of longstanding concerns regarding systemic discrimination, over-policing, and unequal outcomes within the justice system. Those realities underscore the importance of independent investigations that are rigorous, transparent, and capable of maintaining public confidence.”
Grand Chief Wilson concluded: “The loss of life is tragic, and the trauma experienced by the children and family members involved should not be overlooked. We encourage that culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, and victim supports continue to be made available to all those affected.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will continue to monitor the investigation closely and will provide further comment as additional verified information becomes available.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.