Knee on the neck, the move used to murder George Floyd, is a frequently used policing technique in Canada as well, writes Judy Haiven. In the first three months of 2021, RCMP officers used the knee-to-neck hold (officially) 26 times!

o celebrate African Heritage Month, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour Anti-Racism/Human Rights Committee is focusing on African Nova Scotian activists who are making a difference and who share their work-related and personal experiences with us. Melissa Marsman interviews Charlene “Missy” Chasse, a proud member of the PSAC – UNE Local 80018 where she holds the elected position of Human Rights Officer.

Annie Bernard Daisley: “You have treated our lives as though we are disposable, that we do not matter. Our lives come and go to you. We are just a number. You took from us and you still do. You do it quietly and secretly. You hide behind inquiries, you hide behind the police force, you hide behind a “knife”, you hide your hate. But we see and feel it.”

The current protests against police brutality and systemic racism are about more than individual misdeeds by racist cops. Calls for abolishing and defunding the police are entering the mainstream, indicating that people want the underlying systemic causes addressed. We talk with Errol Sharpe of Fernwood Publishing and Dr. Lynn Jones to understand what is new about the protests.

Press release and link to petition: Wapna’kikewi’skaq – Women of First Light strongly requests that the investigation into Chantal Moore and Rodney Levis’s death be led by Indigenous people. “We need Indigenous people, especially women to be leading this investigation”, stated Clan Mother and Board member, miigam’agan, “We have seen time and again how the truth is hidden, and the institutions protect their own.”

Some 700 Mi’kmaq people and allies came to the Grand Parade in downtown Halifax for a solemn and moving gathering and healing walk in memory of Chantel Moore. Chantel is the 26 year old mother from the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation killed by a police officer early in the morning of June 4th, in Edmunston, New Brunswick, during what was supposed to be a wellness check.