Press Releases

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) supports Chief EJ Fontaine and the Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation in calling for an immediate, transparent and independent investigation into the fatal police shooting of Dillon Warren Breed, a young First Nations man from Sagkeeng.

“This loss has brought deep grief to our people,” said Chief EJ Fontaine. “Dillon was a father, a son, a brother, and a loved member of our Nation. His family deserves answers. Our community deserves to know the truth. We are demanding a full, transparent and independent investigation and full accountability for everyone involved. We need to have direct involvement in the investigation.”

This case is not an isolated event. The history of policing in this province includes decades of systemic racism, mistreatment and discrimination against First Nations people. The 1991 Aboriginal Justice Inquiry documented widespread distrust of police among Indigenous communities, citing patterns of excessive use of force, lack of transparency and failure to uphold basic rights. Thirty years later, those patterns have not changed.

“We are devastated by yet another fatal police encounter involving a First Nations person,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “Too many of our people are met with force rather than care. Too many families are left grieving with no clear path to justice.”

First Nations in Manitoba continue to face high rates of police surveillance, arrests, and use of force. Indigenous adults make up 75% of admissions to custody in the province, despite being only 15% of the population. Indigenous people are over ten times more likely to be incarcerated than non-Indigenous people. 

Grand Chief Wilson called on Manitoba’s Minister of Justice, Matt Wiebe, to ensure that the investigation is conducted fully and independently. That includes a review of the use of force and police conduct, clear and ongoing communication with the family and community, and the removal of involved officers from active duty while the investigation is underway.

“This tragedy cannot be swept aside,” said Grand Chief Wilson. “Dillon Warren Breed matters. His family matters. AMC stands with all Nations demanding justice and calling for change.”

AMC calls on the Winnipeg Police Service and all relevant authorities to respond with transparency, respect, and urgency.

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For more information, please contact: 

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com