Tla-o-qui-aht Territory, BC — Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, together with the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, acknowledges the fifth anniversary of the death of our member, Julian Jones, son of the late Carol Manson, as a Coroner's Inquest into the circumstances surrounding his death is set to begin on August 18.

Julian died during what police described as a wellness check. His death, along with the death of another Tla-o-qui-aht member during a separate police-initiated wellness check, continues to have a profound impact on their families, our Nation, and Nuu-chah-nulth communities throughout the region.

For many Indigenous families and communities, wellness checks are intended to ensure the safety and well-being of loved ones in moments of vulnerability. When those interactions result in the loss of life, it raises serious concerns that must be examined openly and thoroughly.

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council continue to call for accountability, transparency, and meaningful reforms to policing practices. We believe wellness checks must be grounded in cultural safety, de-escalation, compassion, and respect for human life. President Judith Sayers states " We continue to advocate for other bodies to do wellness checks. Bodies that are culturally sensitive and trauma informed. Clearly police are not the right choice for wellness checks.”

We also call upon policing agencies, governments, and oversight bodies to work with Indigenous Nations to implement concrete measures that reduce risk, strengthen trust, and help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

As the inquest proceeds, we remember and honour Julian Jones, the families who continue to grieve, and all those affected by these losses. We hope this process provides an opportunity to learn, to advance meaningful change, and to help ensure that systems intended to support community well-being are equipped to protect and preserve life.

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council remain committed to justice, public safety, and the protection of our people.

Media Contacts

Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Elmer Frank, Chief Councillor
250-726-8281
elmer.frank@tla-o-qui-aht.org

Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council
Judith Sayers, President
250-415-0387
judith.sayers@nuuchahnulth.org