Memorial marks 37 years since death of J.J. Harper

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‘I remember him as a great leader’

Honouring the legacy of JJ Harper

The life and legacy of John Joseph (J.J) Harper was commemorated over the weekend at the very place he died nearly 40 years ago.

Family and friends, including his wife, gathered for a memorial at Stanley Knowles Park on Sunday to mark 37 years since J.J.’s death.

“We’re here to support the family of J.J. Harper, our relative that died here,” said Chief of Wasagamack First Nation Walter Harper, who remembers J.J. as a great leader and man.

J.J., the former leader of Wasagamack First Nation and the Island Lake Tribal Council, was fatally shot by a police officer on March 9, 1988. His death was deemed an excessive use of force as a result of systemic racism and injustices for First Nations people.

Sunday’s event included music, remembrances, and a candlelight memorial for the leader whose death sparked the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry (AJI).

MKO Grand Chief Garrison Settee said a lot of work still needs to be done, noting that of the 296 AJI recommendations, only 32 have been implemented.

“I remain optimistic that we continue to pursue reconciliation and that we ensure First Nations people are treated fairly and equally when it comes to justice,” he said.

“Also, when it comes to policing in the City of Winnipeg, we want to ensure there’s no more racial profiling and that Indigenous people being shot by police is something we don’t take lightly, and it’s something that should not happen.”

Settee added that 37 years later, J.J.’s voice still resonates because of all that he stood for.