The family of Raymond Silverfox, 43, is demanding a full public inquiry into his death in a Whitehorse RCMP jail cell on Dec. 2, 2008. (Family photo)

Canada's top First Nations leader says he supports family members of Raymond Silverfox, a Yukon man who died in RCMP custody, as they demand a public inquiry into his death.

Shawn Atleo, the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, said a full public inquiry is the only way to get at the truth surrounding the man's death, as well as prevent similar deaths from happening in the future.

"We've got to stand up when situations like this tragic death occur," Atleo told CBC News in an interview.

"To respond to it in sort of a very open and transparent manner, it's the only road back to resolving these issues."

Silverfox, a 43-year-old member of the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, died after he was kept for more than 13 hours in the Whitehorse RCMP's drunk tank on Dec. 2, 2008.

His family has appealed a Yukon coroner's inquest that concluded Silverfox had died of natural causes, pointing to testimony and evidence that showed RCMP officers and guards treated him poorly while he was in custody.

The inquest heard that no one sought medical help for Silverfox, even though he vomited profusely during the 13 hours he was in custody. Some officers and guards even mocked and jeered at Silverfox during that time, the inquest heard.

'Deep gaps of mistrust'

Atleo said he believes RCMP across Canada hold negative attitudes toward First Nations people, while many aboriginal people have died under questionable circumstances in police custody.

"Without a full airing of the facts and issues, I think we're going to continue to be plagued by an inability to overcome those deep gaps of misunderstanding and deep gaps of mistrust," he said.

Atleo said he plans to meet with RCMP Commissioner William Elliott to discuss the issue.