Inquest called into death of man shot by RCMP on George Gordon First Nation

Dates have been set for the public inquest into the death of a man who was shot by an RCMP officer two years ago on the George Gordon First Nation.

The inquest into the death of 42-year-old Ray Bitternose is to be held Sept. 18-22 at the Royal Hotel in Regina.

According to a police media release, RCMP officers were called to a house on the First Nation north of Regina on July 6, 2021 for a report of a man armed with a rifle threatening to shoot people.

The release said that shortly after officers arrived, Bitternose was shot “in an altercation with police.” Lifesaving efforts failed and Bitternose was pronounced dead.

The Coroners Act gives the chief coroner the power to call an inquest into the death of any person.

“The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths,” the release said. “The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.”