Family learns police killing findings via social media
Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Wapekeka First Nation Chief Brennan Sainnawap are raising concerns about what they are calling “disrespectful” treatment of Indigenous families in police investigations.
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) released the results of its investigation into the police shooting of Tyrese Roundsky of Wapekeka First Nation on February 12.
In a letter to the SIU written on Monday, Fiddler says the Roundsky family was not contacted prior and learned the details of this investigation through social media. He says the family was not briefed or sensitized regarding the decision to clear the officer and the revelation that officers on scene neglected to provide first aid for nearly forty minutes.
“It is unacceptable that the family and community had to learn through the media that after being shot, their loved one was neglected for 40 minutes by a police officer who did not render aid,” Fiddler said. “The SIU Director has demonstrated a complete lack of sensitivity in the release of its report, and instead of providing much needed oversight and accountability to the police, the release of the report has re-traumatized the family and a community already plagued with grief.”
Fiddler and Sainnawap wrote that the SIU’s behaviour lies in stark contrast to its express commitments to deliver culturally competent, supportive services to families and communities affected by police shooting fatalities.
23-year old Tyrese Roundsky was shot at a Wapekeka youth centre on July 31, 2025. The youth centre had been temporarily converted into a courtroom at the time. Roundsky advanced on the presiding judge with a knife, then turned and advanced towards an officer before being shot.
The SIU determined there were no reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed a criminal offence by shooting Roundsky, as their actions were determined to be in self defence.
The failure to perform first aid for over 40 minutes after shooting is still subject to legal scrutiny. The SIU said the officer refrained from approaching Roundsky for fear that he was still armed with a knife and posed a threat. However, the SIU says that concern was less of a risk as the minutes wore on and Roundsky remained motionless on the floor. The medical evidence indicates Roundsky’s wounds were fatal and it is unlikely that any amount of emergency first-aid administered shortly after the shooting could have saved him.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation says that the SIU has increased mistrust among Indigenous communities for their failure to notify the Roundsky family and Wapekeka community before releasing these findings.
“If there is to be any healing or restoration of relationships, it must begin with truth, accountability, and respect for our families, our community, and this generation that has been impacted more deeply than we have ever known,” said Wapekeka First Nation Chief Brennan Sainnawap.
The letter also references the SIU’s investigation into the death of 57-year old Bruce Frogg, a member of Wawakapewin First Nation. Frogg was shot by police in Kenora on June 25, 2024. Fiddler says NAN has rejected the findings of the SIU’s report ever since its release, citing a “complete failure to consider key evidence pointing to an unlawful use of force.”
One year later, Frogg’s son Eric Nothing, a member of Wapekeka First Nation, was shot and killed by police in Deer Lake on July 22, 2025.
“I provide you with this background to ensure you fully comprehend how these tragedies cannot be considered in isolation,” Fiddler wrote. “The failure of the SIU through its shoddy investigation into the death of Bruce Frogg has had significant, lasting impacts across the North, decimating any trust in the SIU. It is important you understand this context, in light of the SIU’s latest failings in their handling of the release of the Roundsky Report last week.”
“Coming so soon after the SIU’s careless investigation into the Frogg shooting, the profound failures towards the Roundsky family and the community of Wapekeka only adds to the failing reputation of the SIU. I find it unbelievable that a government who worked to ensure First Nations have equal access to safety and security could stand by and allow the failures of the SIU to be swept under the rug.”
