'This needs to stop': Rally held for First Nations man fatally shot by police

Ottawa residents gathered at the city's police headquarters onElgin Street Saturday to take part in a spirit walk and demonstration to honour Greg Ritchie, a First Nationsman fatally shot by officers earlier this week.

Ritchie was killed Thursday after an altercation with two constables at the Elmvale Acres Shopping Centre in the city's southeast end.

• GregRitchieID'das man shot and killed by police at mall
• Brother of slain man says police need better mental health training

The 30-year-old from theSaugeenFirst Nation near Owen Sound, Ont., lived with mental health struggles. According to his family, he was picking up medication at a nearby pharmacy when he came into contact with police.

"He had a mental health issue. What would've worked best is love, kindness, compassion, being gentle," saidJocelyn Wabano Iahtail, who helped lead the demonstration.

WabanoIahtail performed a song in Cree and spoke to reporters afterward.

'Over and over again'

"We've been here numerous times with the loss of life of other brothers and sisters. Whether it's from our community or the black community, we've been here over and over again. And this needs to stop," she said.

Ritchie had recently moved to the Ottawa area from Kitchener, Ont., where he spent time living on the streets.

His family was in the process of getting him professional help for his mental illness at the time of his death. Ritchie's brother, Nicholas, previously told CBC Ottawa that he was a gentle person who was often easily scared.

WabanoIahtail said she fears her son could face a similar fate.

"I'm the mother of a special needs son, and I'm afraid that I'm going to lose my son. We've had altercations with the police," she said.

When it comes to justice for us, we don't trust it.- Robert Lazore

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU),an independent agency that handles incidents involving police where someone is killed, injured or sexually assaulted,isinvestigating Ritchie's death.

Robert Lazore didn't know Ritchie personally, but said he wanted to attend the event in solidarity with his community. He added that he doesn't have much faith in the Canadian justice system.

"When it comes to justice for us, we don't trust it. And for good reason. It never works in our favour. There's always an excuse," Lazoresaid.

"It's frustration that goes back 526 years. Nothing has changed."

Organizers said therally aimedto pressure the Ottawa Police Service to hold those involved in the incident to account, and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

One of the officers involved,Const. Thanh Tran, was previously charged withassault causing bodily harm by the SIU in 2011. He was acquitted in 2013.

Sources have told CBC News that the other officer, Const.Daniel Vincelette, was cut on the forehead during the altercation.

The SIU said Ritchie washolding a weapon, but the agency has not specified what it was.