Not guilty verdict represents pattern of discrimination: Native Council of P.E.I.

“Reconciliation is not happening in Canada for Indigenous peoples when they are treated unequally and cannot find justice.” Lisa Cooper

The Native Council of P.E.I.’s chief says the controversial not guilty verdict in the death of a young Aboriginal man represents a pattern of discrimination against Indigenous people in Canada’s justice system.

“Reconciliation is not happening in Canada for Indigenous peoples when they are treated unequally and cannot find justice,” says Lisa Cooper.

There has been widespread outrage and large protests after a jury recently found farmer Gerald Stanley not guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Colten Bushie, a 22-year-old Cree man.

Boushie was shot and killed after he and four others from the Red Pheasant Cree Nation drove onto Stanley’s rural property in Saskatchewan in August 2016.

Boushie was shot in the head after an altercation with Stanley, his son and wife.

Stanley testified he never meant to shoot anyone and that the handgun he was holding went off accidentally.

The Native Council of P.E.I. said in a statement it is “disappointed and saddened by the acquittal.’’

Aside from the decision itself, the Native Council noted, a main criticism of the case is the fact that none of the 12 jurors selected appeared to be Indigenous.

“In Canada, the justice system has historically discriminated against Indigenous people, such as through the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal system,’’ the Native Council of P.E.I. stated.

The Native Council added its thoughts and prayers are with Boushie’s family and community.