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Gathering Place First Nations Canadian News
Special
October
4, 2002
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JUST FROM THE BC OFFICE of the Council of
Canadians:
PRESS RELEASE STATEMENT Press conference at UVIC MacLauren Bldg Education Bldg room D114, 11:30-1:00 Thurs. Oct.3rd Re: Anti-Terrorist Unit Uses Excessive Force On Indigenous Family At 6:00 am Saturday, September, 21st 2002, members of the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) raided the residence of Nitanis Desjarlais and John Rampanen in Port Alberni, British Columbia. With the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, local RCMP, ambulance, and fire departments, a warrant to search for unauthorized firearms was executed. This police raid was conducted as a follow-up to
allegations that Mr. Rampanen was "stockpiling arms". The quiet neighborhood of
Mr. Rampanen and his common-law wife Ms. Desjarlais, located on the outskirts of Port Alberni, was evacuated during the early hours of September 21st, as a safety precaution during the police raid. Fortunately, Mr. Rampanen and Ms. Desjarlais along with their twelve year old son, two year old daughter and new-born son were not present in their home during the time of incursion. At 9:45 am on the same day, members of INSET along with
local RCMP officers, visited the residence of Mr. Rampanens' parents, also
located in Port Alberni. Upon arrival, INSET officers became
aware of the presence of Ms. Desjarlais and Mr. Rampanen and immediately began questioning Ms. Desjarlais. Ms. Desjarlais was taken outside of the house and asked if she knew that John Rampanen was involved in Native Issues. She replied that she did and that she herself was involved and sarcastically asked if it was a crime to be involved in Native Issues, to no reply from INSET. Approximately 10 minutes into the questioning, the inquiring INSET officer received a telephone call reporting that the searched residence was "clear". At which point Ms. Desjarlais was informed by an INSET member that "it would be a shame for (her) children to grow up without parents". At this point, INSET officers approached Mr. Rampanen and
informed him of the execution of a search warrant on his residence. They further
informed him that allegations were made that he was "stockpiling arms" and that
they did not know the identity of the person or persons behind the "malicious
allegation". They included that there was considerable damage inflicted upon the
front
entrance to the house and that any damages incurred would be covered by the RCMP. Mr. Rampanen was reminded of the "concern that he should have towards the safety of (his) children" and that if he was in possession of any unauthorized firearms that he would be given the opportunity to surrender them without repercussions. Mr. Rampanen replied that he does not possess any firearms, that his house and all of his belongings had already been thoroughly searched, and that that should be evidence that he was not "stockpiling arms". When asked if this sort of action was to be expected every
time a malicious allegation was made in regards to Mr. Rampanen, INSET
replied that, "after today's actions, we would have to say yes". Mr.
Rampanen stated that "it was because of (his) concern for the safety of (his) children that he did not stockpile weapons", and further, suggested that there are more civilized methods that could be applied when dealing with these types of concerns. Mr. Rampanen and Ms. Desjarlais have been actively involved
in Indigenous issues for a number of years through organizations such as; the
Union of BC Indian Chiefs, United Native Nations, Native Youth Movement,
Indigenous Sovereignty Network, and the Westcoast Warrior Society. Mr. Rampanen
has also been actively involved in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs
directed towards Indigenous youth, as well as, educational and
informational workshops throughout Indigenous communities. Ms. Desjarlais is an emerging videographer and specializes in documentaries focusing on concerns and issues arising from various Indigenous Nations. The young couple have just recently moved to Vancouver Island where they plan on raising their children. Later, during the evening of the same day and the morning
of Sunday, September 22nd, other members of the Westcoast Warrior
Society and their families were also approached by INSET
officers. Similar remarks regarding the safety and concern of their children, and suggestive statements regarding firearms were also expressed during these visits. After incidents arising from the weekend of September 21st, Mr. Rampanen and Ms. Desjarlais are still trying to ensure that these types of aggressive actions are not wrongfully exercised upon those involved within matters relating to Indigenous rights. They feel that these sorts of unnecessary tactics only contribute negatively towards the already fragile relationship between Indigenous Nations and the Government of Canada. INSET is a unit that emerged after September 11th and has a budget of 64 million dollars for a five year period. more info on INSET at RCMP website. <> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><><> <><>
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