Several witnesses called on first day of inquest into death of Sanirajak man

Seven witnesses testified Monday during the first day of a coroner's inquest into the RCMP shooting of a man in Sanirajak, Nunavut.

Jeremy Nuvviaq died May 2, 2017, at age 39 after he livestreamed a video on Facebook where he said he wanted to 'die by police.' He was one of three people killed by police in Nunavut in a five-month span.

The case is being heard by a six-person jury at the Sanirajak community hall. The big, empty room has inspirational posters sprinkled on the walls with reminders to have a good day, and to drink more water.  

One of Nuvviaq's sisters, Leah Nengmeliak, listened to the afternoon testimony alone at the back of the hall. Plastic folding chairs and tables were set up to make the space look like a courtroom. 

Some of the people who testified were Vitaline Morgan, Nuvviaq's former girlfriend; and Jackie Nuvviaq, his brother. 

Witnesses were questioned by Sheldon Toner, the coroner's counsel; and Chris Bernier, RCMP counsel. Jury members are also allowed to ask the witnesses questions throughout the inquest. 

A former coworker of Nuvviaq's at J&N Moving in Iqaluit was the last witness of the day. Jason Dawson video-called in from Halifax. 

Dawson said he was driving in Vancouver when he saw Nuvviaq's Facebook livestream. He said Nuvviaq was intoxicated and in extreme despair. 

He said he saw a colourful toy gun in the video and pulled over to call the police in Sanirajak. 

"That's the first time in my life I called the police for anything," said Dawson. 

Dawson said he wanted to warn the police that Nuvviaq had a toy gun so they weren't afraid of him. He said he grew up in the United States where he had seen police be violent. 

"I knew pointing a toy [gun] at a police officer, it might kill you," said Dawson.  "I thought by telling them it was a toy I could save his life." 

A RCMP press release from the incident stated Nuvviaq "confronted" them while holding a gun. It said officers tried to de-escalate the situation, but were unsuccessful.

Nunavut Chief Coroner Khen Sagadraca is presiding over the inquest. Sagadraca previously worked as a nurse in his home country of the Philippines before moving to Canada.