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Strong words from Boushie’s family at rally in N.B.

Feb 10, 2018 | 2:44 PM

Strong words were had by the family of Colten Boushie during a peaceful demonstration held by the #justiceforcolten movement at the North Battleford courthouse Saturday afternoon.

Boushie’s mother, Debbie Baptiste, started by addressing her speech to the justice system which she claimed is run by white people. She then turned her attention to Gerald Stanley, the man who was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of her son Friday night.

“That wasn’t a freak accident,” Baptiste said. “He’s a murderer. They are not sweeping this under the carpet. Enough killing our people.”

 

 

The group of over 100 then began chanting “justice for Colten.” Boushie’s uncle, Alvin Baptiste, gave his own speech targeted at the government.

“I want to take this all the way to Ottawa. Right to Justin Trudeau,” Alvin said. “Justin, Indigenous people have never received justice throughout Canada. This is white privilege justice that has happened. Today I got to Sasaktoon to meet with the premier of Saskatchewan. That is one step I am taking to see justice. I will go to Ottawa next.

“The Prime Minister has said so many words, but has never listened to our words.”

Baptiste accused the justice system and the nation as a whole of being racist towards Indigenous people. He added this is not the life he wants for his grandchildren and this was not the life his grandparents wanted for his people.

Alvin then turned his attention to the Stanley family and asked they do the right thing. 

“Gerald Stanley’s family has blood on their hands. They have lied in the courts. [The] only thing that will wash the blood off their hands is to tell the truth. The truth will set them free.”

 

 

Debbie added to Alvin’s speech, saying Stanley needed to “man up.”

“You pulled the trigger, so be a man,” she said. “He needs to go to prison.”

 

 

The group then gathered together in song and prayer for roughly 20 minutes before Debbie left in tears and the rest of the crowd slowly dispersed.

 

greg.higgins@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @realgreghiggins