Jon Wells, a 42-year-old man from the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta, was recently identified as the individual who died while in custody of the Calgary Police Service. Wells was known as a kind man who was accomplished in steer wrestling, having been the 2012 INFR Steer Wrestling Tour Champion. Eugene Creighton, from the Indian National Rodeo Finals (INRF), described Wells as a dedicated community member and family man who excelled in his rodeo hobby. To achieve his level of success in the INFR circuit, Wells spent significant time practicing while juggling work and family commitments.
Wells passed away on September 17 after Calgary police were called to the Carriage House Inn where he was causing a disturbance and refusing to leave. According to CPS, Wells was behaving erratically and was uncooperative, leading to officers deploying a taser and OC spray in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. Despite efforts from EMS, Wells went into medical distress shortly after being taken into custody and passed away at the scene. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is currently investigating the incident, which has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the Indigenous community.
Local Indigenous advocate Michelle Robinson expressed her concerns, stating that Wells’s death is a traumatizing reminder of similar incidents that have occurred in Indigenous communities. She highlighted that Wells is the eighth Indigenous person to die in a police altercation since August 29, leading to an emergency parliamentary debate and calls for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action. Robinson emphasized the need for concrete action and systemic change to address the ongoing issue of police violence against Indigenous individuals.
The death of Jon Wells has once again brought attention to the systemic issues contributing to the over-representation of Indigenous people in police altercations and custody deaths across Canada. Advocates and community members are demanding accountability and justice for Wells and others who have tragically lost their lives in similar circumstances. A sense of urgency and frustration is palpable within Indigenous communities, as they continue to face the devastating impacts of police violence and discrimination. The focus is now on holding authorities accountable and ensuring that the calls to action put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are implemented to prevent further tragedies.
The tragic loss of Jon Wells has left a void in his community and among those who knew him as a dedicated and skilled individual. He is remembered for his competitive spirit in rodeo and his commitment to excelling in his craft. The circumstances surrounding his death serve as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by Indigenous individuals when interacting with law enforcement. The ongoing investigations and calls for justice reflect a growing movement for systemic change and accountability within the Canadian justice system to address the disproportionate impact of police violence on Indigenous communities.
As the investigation into Jon Wells’s death continues, the response from the community and advocates underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability. The demand for action to address the systemic issues that perpetuate police violence against Indigenous individuals is growing louder. Advocates, community members, and allies are calling for tangible changes to prevent further tragedies and ensure that justice is served for those who have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement. The legacy of Jon Wells and others who have been affected by police violence will continue to fuel the fight for justice and equity within Canada’s justice system.
