Indigenous Grandfather and Granddaughter Settle for Handcuffing BMO in Vancouver

A Heiltsuk Nation man says he struck a deal with the Bank of Montreal after he and his 12-year-old granddaughter were suspected of fraud and handcuffed by police in 2019 outside one of the bank’s downtown branches. from Vancouver.

The settlement includes money and an apology, plus training for BMO staff on indigenous culture and the installation of a piece of art by Maxwell Johnson at the Burrard Street branch, with copies to be displayed at other BC branches where Heiltsuk members have accounts.

“It’s been two long years of litigation with BMO, and I’m very happy that we’ve come to a conclusion on all of this,” Johnson said Thursday, standing in a hoodie and shorts near the same spot where he was arrested for two Vancouver police officers on December 20, 2019.

“It has been a very hard two years not only for me, but also for my granddaughter and my son.”

handcuffed on the sidewalk

On the day of the arrest, Johnson was attempting to open a joint account with his granddaughter after recently depositing $30,000 into his existing account, which he closed Thursday before speaking to reporters.

The branch manager did not believe the purpose of the couple in the bank, suspected that they were trying to commit fraud and contacted the police. Johnson and his granddaughter were led outside by officers and handcuffed on a sidewalk.

A retired judge tasked with reviewing the high-profile case, which made national and international headlines, recently ruled that the two officers committed misconduct by “recklessly using unnecessary force” in arresting the couple.

‘Very unfortunate situation’

BMO has since apologized for the arrest, and Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer has previously said officers were acting in good faith. He described it as “a very unfortunate situation and we are very sorry for the way this all played out.”

Johnson joined Heiltsuk chief Marilyn Slett on Thursday to announce the deal. His granddaughter was standing on the sidewalk with other members of Heiltsuk Nation, who participated in percussion songs before the press conference.

“Today is a milestone day for them to wrap up what has been a really difficult journey for them,” Slett told reporters.

“Even though they have come to an agreement, the healing will definitely continue with the community. [in Bella Bella] and with Max and his family.”

Johnson’s artwork on the bench

Arrangement details:

• A monetary payment from BMO to Johnson and his granddaughter.

• A private apology ceremony in Johnson’s home community, Bella Bella.

• The bank’s Burrard Street branch and others in Nanaimo, Campbell River, Prince Rupert and Victoria, where other Heiltsuk members have accounts, will display a work of art by Johnson.

• BMO will install territorial recognition plates in the same branches and look to add more in branches across Canada.

• BMO updated internal policies and procedures on how Aboriginal status cards are handled and created a bank-wide course on Aboriginal culture for staff; more than 25,000 employees have taken the course.

• The agreement also includes cultural competency training for senior BMO leaders in BC and the Yukon, the establishment of an Aboriginal advisory council, and the conduct of various donations and campaigns in support of Aboriginal communities.

Pending VPD Complaint

The settlement ends legal action by Johnson and his granddaughter against BMO, but a complaint filed against the Vancouver Police Department in the BC Human Rights Tribunal remains pending.

“Moving forward with the VPD, I’m also hopeful of a good outcome, and that they learn about First Nations issues and take sensitivity training on our First Nations people,” Johnson said. “That’s all I want to see.”

He said the past two years have been difficult for him, noting that he lives with panic disorder, which has made it difficult to speak publicly about the arrest.

“Being a spokesperson, I didn’t want it, but it just happened,” he said. “So I’m glad I can defend myself and my children and grandchildren and other people who are afraid to come forward to defend their position.”

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@Howls