Colten Boushie family supporters raise issue of justice
Amid the sound of the beating of drums, voices chanting “Justice for Colten,” and the rhythm of the powwow dance, friends and family, and First Nation leaders joined forces for a rally Thursday morning outside the Provincial Court building in North Battleford to show their support for Colten Boushie’s family.
The event was held on the third and final day of the preliminary inquiry taking place in the courtroom in the case involving the killing of Boushie.
Gerald Stanley, 55, is facing a charge of second-degree murder related to the August 9, 2016, incident on Stanley’s farmyard, near Biggar. Boushie, a 22-year-old Red Pheasant First Nation man, was killed in the incident. The preliminary hearing was held this week to determine if there was enough evidence to proceed to trial. Evidence presented at the hearing had been under a publication ban.
During Thursday’s rally, several First Nation leaders spoke about the need for justice and respect for Indigenous people in the legal system and in the community.