PIKANGIKUM FIRST NATION, Ont. - The Special Investigations Unit is appealing for witnesses after being notified of allegations of sexual assault committed by members of the Ontario Provincial Police in Pikangikum First Nation.
The SIU received notice from the OPP on March 19, 2021 following two complaints alleging women in the community were sexually assaulted by members of the OPP.
Two investigators have been assigned to the case and the SIU is appealing to anyone with information that could aid in the investigation to come forward.
The SIU offers confidential assurance to ensure witness’s privacy and confidentiality rights are protected.
Anyone with information can contact the SIU at 1-800-787-8529 to complete the Appeal for Witness form on the SIU website.
In March, Pikangikum leadership expelled members of the OPP from the community over allegations of misconduct by officers. Nurses with Indigenous Services Canada also left the community due to a lack of policing.
On April 30, OPP officers returned to the community under a new agreement to work along side Pikangikum Peacekeepers and ensure reliable nursing services.
