Trial allowed existing conflict to divide us

From the beginning of the investigation to the final verdict, the Gerald Stanley case has caused division and uproar within our province and our nation. While blame has been put on both sides — Gerald Stanley for holding the gun that killed Colten Boushie, and Boushie and his friends for causing threat to a family after coming onto their property — both sides of the court have suffered.

Each side has been bombarded with hate comments and unfair treatment. When the verdict was announced there was a shared feeling of shock. How is it acceptable to walk away after killing someone, accident or not?

If we look at what may have influenced the justice system to come to this verdict, there was bias, unclear testimonies, a heavy influence of social media, and the undealt-with stereotypes that were undercurrents influencing this case. This case presented the two main racial groups of Saskatchewan who have had conflict since the age of colonialism, and instead of focusing on resolving this conflict, we allowed it to divide us.

We did not consider the Indigenous perspective of justice, to forgive and reconcile to restore harmony within our community. We did not properly use empathy, did not consider that both sides were terrified in this situation. In the end, we have made no progression from this controversial case. Let us learn from this trial and come together and acknowledge the hate that lies between us, so we can heal and become the unified community Saskatchewan needs. Sasha Chilibeck, Saskatoon