John Joseph Harper
Encyclopedia
John Joseph "J.J." Harper was a Canadian aboriginal
leader from Wasagamack, Manitoba
, who was shot and killed by Winnipeg police
constable Constable Robert Cross on March 9, 1988. That event, along with the murder
of Helen Betty Osborne
, sparked the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry
.
During the an altercation between Police and Mr. Harper, Constable Robert Cross's weapon discharged resulting in Mr. Harper's death. J.J. Harper's family was so enraged by the murder that his youngest daughter, Zoey, hanged herself in protest. It was initially ruled an accident; however, a strong public outcry lead to an inquiry (the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry). The inquiry eventually concluded that Constable Robert Cross had used excessive force in the fatal confrontation .
Aboriginal peoples in Canada
Aboriginal peoples in Canada comprise the First Nations, Inuit and Métis. The descriptors "Indian" and "Eskimo" have fallen into disuse in Canada and are commonly considered pejorative....
leader from Wasagamack, Manitoba
Wasagamack First Nation, Manitoba
Wasagamack or Wasaagomach is an Oji-Cree Indian Reserve in Manitoba, Canada. It is located about north of Winnipeg. The land area is 31.02 km² ....
, who was shot and killed by Winnipeg police
Winnipeg Police Service
The Winnipeg Police Service is the police force of the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.-History:When Winnipeg became a city in 1873, an election was held to select the city's new Mayor and Aldermen. Those appointed decided to hire city officials, including a Chief Constable. On February 23,...
constable Constable Robert Cross on March 9, 1988. That event, along with the murder
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing, with malice aforethought, of another human being, and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide...
of Helen Betty Osborne
Helen Betty Osborne
Helen Betty Osborne, or Betty Osborne , was a Cree Aboriginal woman from Norway House reserve who was kidnapped and murdered while walking down Third Street in The Pas, Manitoba on the evening of November 13, 1971.- Life :...
, sparked the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry
Aboriginal Justice Inquiry
The Aboriginal Justice Inquiry was commissioned in 1988, with its final report presented in 1991. Its stated purpose was "to examine the relationship between the Aboriginal peoples of Manitoba and the justice system."...
.
During the an altercation between Police and Mr. Harper, Constable Robert Cross's weapon discharged resulting in Mr. Harper's death. J.J. Harper's family was so enraged by the murder that his youngest daughter, Zoey, hanged herself in protest. It was initially ruled an accident; however, a strong public outcry lead to an inquiry (the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry). The inquiry eventually concluded that Constable Robert Cross had used excessive force in the fatal confrontation .