(Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver – June 23, 2011) The First Nations Leadership Council is expressing disappointment in the final report of the Frank Paul Inquiry which was publicly released yesterday.
“The family of Frank Paul, First Nations in British Columbia, and the public at large, have waited for the final report of the Davies Commission in the hopes that the Commission would fully explore all perspectives of the tragic circumstances that led to the death of Frank Paul. We are disappointed that based on the final report of the Commission, it is apparent that Commissioner Davies chose to accept the evidence of various Crown counsel when substantial evidence presented by the legal counsel of participating parties strongly suggested that he should be wary of doing so”, said Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit Political Executive. “It remains our belief, founded upon the evidence that charges should have been brought forward in this case. We are disappointed the Commissioner chose not to issue a finding of whether charges should have been laid.”
“The final report of the Davies Commission and the 2009 interim report clearly validated the deep and troubling concerns expressed by Mr. Paul’s family who pushed for years for a public inquiry into his tragic death. It remains our firm belief, founded upon the evidence, that Frank Paul’s physical state and Aboriginal status were undeniably factors in his death. We are sorely disappointed that this was not the conclusion reached by Commissioner Davies in his final report,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “While this Inquiry has missed the opportunity to address the systemic racism that was, in part, responsible for the death of Frank Paul, we are hopeful that the many recommendations, including sobering centres and the changes to the charge assessment process, contained in the final report as well as the 2009 interim report, will help prevent such unnecessary deaths. Our people should not die alone and cold.”