Reflections on Journey for Justice

For years the unsolved murders of over 70 young men and youth of Somali heritage, have left many families lost, confused and without closure. The John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights (JHC), Taccalusa Institute, and the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights have been working collaboratively for years to bring awareness of this issue. In 2022, they hosted a town hall forum which resulted in a community based report with diverse perspectives among community and stakeholders to discuss the barriers and pathways to strengthen investigation of and support to Somali families grieving the loss of loved ones whose murders remain unsolved. This report is a culmination of the discussion and offers a list of actions that can be taken to help make positive change in our community. It should be noted that the narrative of the report was written in a way to retain the original voices of those who contributed to it.

Recently, the team also launched a documentary, Journey for Justice. The issue highlighted in this documentary interconnects to other issues within the justice system, especially those faced by Indigenous peoples where cases of unsolved homicides are all too common. The communities share similarities in their pain, their grief, calling for a need to stand together and create awareness and calls for change. 

”A high percentage of the cases that come to the John Humphrey Centre are in relation to racism with law enforcement and the justice system. These systems were inherently built on criminalization and a corresponding narrative for Black Muslim men and Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit. We must start to confront these issues in a bold and open way.” 

— Renee Vaugeois, Executive Director of JHC

JHC, Taccalusa Institute, and the Coalition for Justice and Human Rights were proud to launch Journey for Justice during Black History Month. The goal of this documentary is to bring to light what has been left in the dark and the first-hand experiences of families looking for answers. The documentary screening was held at the Telus World of Science Edmonton on Friday, February 24, 2023, and featured a panel Q&A afterwards to discuss the long journey to bring this project to fruition. We thank all involved for their contributions, their voice, and their commitment to justice and truth. We also wish to acknowledge the skills and talent of local filmmaker and producer, David Opoku-otoo for his leadership on capturing this journey and the stories. 

The families will continue fighting, with hope, that true justice is achievable. The wishes of these families are to be supported, to be respected, to be heard, and most importantly, for their loved ones’ murder to be solved so that justice and healing can begin.

Justice is when everybody feels that every homicide has been solved without any perceived bias. Justice is when the Somalis feel that homicide is being taken seriously and being solved. 

- Chief Keli Tamaklo The Sixth (former member of the Edmonton Police Commission)

Missed the screening? The documentary has been launched and is available to watch for free on YouTube.

A CBC article was also released recently that highlighted the report and documentary release.

How can you take action? Stand in solidarity with your community, and ALL people within it. Spark spaces of engagement and conversation. Demand accountability, transparency, and justice. You can also sign the online petition which will be sent to the Edmonton’s Chief of Police.

#journeyforjustice #socialjustice #documentary #somalicommunity #yegrights