Gathering to honour Chantel Moore

A healing gathering will be held in Victoria to honour an Indigenous Port Alberni woman killed by police in News Brunswick.

A Facebook invitation for the June 18 event said it will honour Chantel Moore and “acknowledge racism and police brutality as it relates to Indigenous communities in Canada.”

Moore, a 26-year-old member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, had recently moved from Port Alberni to Edmundston, N.B., to join her mother and her young daughter.

She died after being shot by police performing a wellness check. Moore is said to have been holding a knife and the police say the officer discharged a weapon for their own safety. An independent police watchdog organization from Quebec will review the case.

Moore’s death has sparked outrage across the country. A coalition of chiefs in New Brunswick has called for an independent investigation of the provincial justice system.

Organizers of the Victoria gathering said the goal is to “echo love, not hate.”

“So bring your Indigenous spirit, sage for smudges, drums, sacred pipes, red shawls and moccasins.”

There will be a moment of silence for Moore and people are asked to wear yellow in her memory.

COVID-19 measures will be in place, with masks required and social distancing being respected as much as possible.

People wishing to speak are asked to contact organizers in advance.

The event is scheduled to take place 4-6:30 p.m. on June 18 at the legislature.