FSIN STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE BOUSHIE FAMILY ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF ACQUITTAL
- Feb 10, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 15, 2025
Treaty 6 Territory, Saskatoon SK – The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) stands in solidarity with the family of Colten Boushie and honours his life with participation in the National Day of Action and a panel discussion at the University of Saskatchewan.
On February 9, 2018, Gerald Stanley, a Caucasian farmer in rural Saskatchewan, was acquitted of murder and manslaughter in the killing of Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old Cree man from Red Pheasant Cree Nation. The Boushie family maintains that the jury was comprised of five non-Indigenous people who were not representational of the area’s population and were limited due to a colonial mindset.
Five years have passed since the verdict. The Boushie family is celebrating Colten’s memory and continues to make the public aware of how he died. He was shot August 9, 2016 after entering Gerald Stanley’s yard with friends.
More information is online in a National Film Board film directed by Tasha Hubbard,
Nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up.
Use of the hashtags #JusticeForColten is encouraged for those posting words of support for the Boushie family and the National Day of Action.
Members of FSIN will be participating in National Day of Actions screening and speaker panel 2:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 2023 at the University of Saskatchewan MLT Lecture Theatre. The event is hosted by Sunchild Law and the Office of the Treaty Commissioner. Panel speakers include mother of Colten Boushie, Debbie Baptiste, Lawyer Eleanore Sunchild, Treaty Commissioner Mary Culberson and Anti-racism Educator Sheelah McLean.
QUOTES
“On that day, Indigenous people around the world were angry and defeated and since the day of the not guilty verdict, there has been very little done to improve the justice system in Canada. Representation of First Nations people as judges, on juries and inquiry boards, remains a challenge for Indigenous people facing criminal trials, knowing their lives are in the hands of potentially racist and biased people. We call for changes to the laws to improve race representation and eliminate bias,” said FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.
“The underrepresentation of First Nations in positions of power in the justice system and government is blatantly clear when we look at the races in jail and not in jail. Stanley was let free with only a fine for improper storage of firearms when he took a human life. If that had been a young white man killed, what would the jury have determined that day,” said FSIN Second Vice Chief Edward Lerat.
About FSIN
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.
Lisa Risom
Director of Communications
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations
10 - 134 Kahkewistahaw Crescent Treaty Six Territory
Saskatoon, SK S7R 0M9
Cell: 306-987-0505 | FSIN Office: 306-665-1215
Email: communications@fsin.com
