FSIN CALLS TO END POLICE BRUTALITY OF FIRST NATIONS PEOPLES
- Jul 8, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 9, 2025
(Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK) – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) Executive stands in support of Evan Penner, who recently went public with an allegation of a brutal assault in Saskatoon on July 4, 2020. The video released yesterday shows officers punching and tasering Penner. The FSIN Executive is calling on the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) to immediately review and amend their use of force policies and bring an end to police brutality against First Nations people.
“We are still healing the relationship between the First Nations community and the Saskatoon Police following the Stonechild Inquiry. Incidents like this one continue to put a heavy strain on that relationship” says FSIN Vice Chief Dutch Lerat. “While some recommendations were implemented from that inquiry, there are still instances of police brutality taking place at the hands of SPS members. This is why it is important to have an independent investigating body that looks into allegations of police brutality. We are encouraged to see that the Public Complaints Commission is doing this investigation. And although Minister Don Morgan’s recent amendments to the Police Act will bring forth greater transparency, the amendments still fall short of creating a civilian-led police oversight authority to investigate allegations of severe injury or death while at the hands of police. Due to the growing number of cases in recent years, the FSIN will continue to maintain its call for the creation of an independent civilian-led police oversight authority to investigate allegations of severe injury or deaths at the hands of police.”
Additionally, FSIN renews its calls for a Public Inquiry into the Systemic Discrimination in the Justice System.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.
