Boushie family, supporters in shock, disbelief
It was an emotional scene outside of Battleford Court of Queen’s Bench after a jury found Gerald Stanley not guilty in the shooting death of Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old man from the Red Pheasant First Nation who died Aug. 9, 2016.
Family members expressed their disappointment with the verdict.
“I’m shocked. It’s a terrible feeling to hear not guilty. I don’t know what to say, but I’m pretty shocked at the verdict and that my nephew has been denied justice and how First Nations are treated in the justice system is not right. A white jury came out with a verdict of not guilty of Gerald Stanley who shot and killed my nephew. This is how they treat us First Nations people. It is not right. Something has to be done about this.” —Alvin Baptiste, Colten’s uncle following delivery of verdict.
“This trial has brought attention to the much needed injustices that we all endure everyday. We’re sorry Colten. We tried. But now the world knows. The world knows. We thank the jury. We thank every supporter.” —Lori Nicotine, Boushie supporter speaking outside of court.
“This ain’t right. This ain’t justice and the law system failed my family in this murder trial. Thank you, that’s all.” —Jace Boushie, Colten’s brother.
“We hoped for justice for Colten. However, we did not see it. We did not feel it throughout this entire process. We will fight for an appeal. We will fight for an appeal and answers to all of the racism that my family has experienced from the day that Colten was shot until the jury delivered the verdict of not guilty. We will not stop our pursuit for justice. We will stand here and honour my late brother, my family member, my friend Colten Boushie.” —Jade Tootoosis, Colten’s cousin.
“Some people believe that the colour of Colten’s skin did not play any role in either the death, or what has happened since, but imagine you’re a member of Colten’s family today reliving the death of your son, your brother and your nephew and at the same time, truly believing the colour of Colten’s skin contributed to the tragic events of Aug. 9, 2016, the subsequent police investigation and the proceedings that followed. We will be going to Parliament Hill this month to describe the systemic injustices that this case has revealed, but for now, I ask that you trust that Colten’s family has legitimate reasons for these deeply held beliefs. There is a darkness that exists in this country and I believe we are going to have to feel our way out of it.” — Chris Murphy, defence lawyer representing Boushie’s family.
“There will be an inquiry. We support that and we will be going to the Hill and we will be speaking as loud and strong as we can. To all of those that are broken now today, please, please remain peaceful. We need to call on peace and calm right now.” —Kim Jonathan, FSIN Vice Chief following verdict.