Justice system anti-aboriginal

I am writing to express my concern on an issue that has left First Nations’ People stunned and furious. Colton Boushie, an Indigenous person was fatally shot at point blank range by a white farmer in rural Saskatchewan. Not surprisingly, an all-white jury found Gerald Stanley not guilty of second- degree murder.

This has caused uproar about how the justice system is not fair, especially towards indigenous people. First Nations’ people are treated unfairly at the hands of the justice system and they receive harsher punishments for crimes committed. Racism is very much alive between Indigenous people and the whites, especially in rural areas.

White farmers and landowners continuously blame Indigenous people for high rates of property crime. What happened to Colton is nothing new. The hate and racism towards minorities is palpable and they are constantly facing discrimination and prejudice.

They live in abject poverty. Due to the miserable conditions they live in, some of them resort to thefts and other criminal activities. The landowners see Indigenous People as living on handouts and welfare. It is high time the governments and authorities create avenues for job placements for First Nations’ people. There must be programs that should foster unity and harmony between whites and First Nations’ people. The justice system is brutally harsh towards minorities. Hence, this is an appeal to legislation to do something about it.

Joana Asante Annor,

English 101, UPEI Student