A final reports B.C.’s Human Rights Commissioner reveals that a key agreement aimed at combating anti-Indigenous racism in Vancouver policing has fallen short of delivering promised systemic changes.
The review examines a 2022 agreement between the Vancouver Police Board and Heiltsuk Nation members Maxwell Johnson and his granddaughter, who faced wrongful handcuffing by officers outside a downtown bank in 2019.
The 2019 Incident
In December 2019, Johnson and his 12-year-old granddaughter attempted to open a bank account at a BMO branch in downtown Vancouver. Bank staff suspected fraud upon reviewing their identification, including status cards, and called 911. Vancouver Police Department officers responded by handcuffing the pair. Officers soon determined no fraud occurred and released them.
The involved officers received suspensions for misconduct. A human rights settlement followed, providing monetary compensation and an apology ceremony in Bella Bella, B.C. Senior police leadership and board members attended, but the arresting officers stayed away, citing personal reasons. They later submitted written apologies.
Johnson described the officers’ absence as disheartening, emphasizing its impact on rebuilding trust with the Heiltsuk Nation.
Report Highlights Progress and Shortfalls
Human Rights Commissioner Kasari Govender conducted an independent review to assess compliance with the agreement. Findings show the police board met several individual commitments, such as updating training programs and enhancing complaint processes with Indigenous cultural practices.
However, collaborative reforms between the board and Heiltsuk Nation have stalled. Heiltsuk Tribal Council and Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs halted participation in key areas after the officers skipped the ceremony. This led to no advancements in training on Indigenous status cards, a core issue in the original event.
Govender stresses the apology ceremony’s role in fostering trust and enabling reforms. She warns, “Without truly collaborative systemic reform to policing in British Columbia, Indigenous people will continue to face discrimination at the hands of law enforcement.” She adds, “Both the process and the outcomes of addressing systemic racism matter; without inclusive processes, outcomes will falter.”
Path Forward Amid Tensions
The Vancouver police and Heiltsuk relationship has broken down, with limited progress on anti-racism training, policy strengthening, and community ties. A separate process underway could require the officers to deliver a face-to-face apology during a second ceremony in Bella Bella.
In December 2023, Johnson and his granddaughter petitioned the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner to revisit disciplinary actions. Govender expresses hope that efforts under the agreement persist beyond its formal end to achieve lasting change.
