A bail hearing for a second-degree murder case that has sparked a heated racial debate in Saskatchewan will be heard today.
Gerald Stanley, 54, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with a shooting on a farm last week. He made his first court appearance in North Battleford on Aug. 11.
Colten Boushie, 22, was a passenger in a car with four other people when he was shot and killed on Aug. 9 on a farm near Biggar. His family says the group was going to ask for help with a flat tire.
Supporters of Boushie have organized a gathering to take place in front of North Battleford provincial court this morning.
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice-Chief Kimberly Jonathan will be at the rally to show her support for Boushie’s family. She said a number of leaders and chiefs are flying in from across Canada to attend.
“It’s a peaceful gathering to support Colten and the family,” said Jonathan. “It’s not a protest. It’s not an aggressive protest.”
Boushie, 22, was a passenger in a car with four other people when he was shot and killed. His family says the group was trying to seek help with a flat tire. (Facebook)
The event is called “Justice for Colten” and a Facebook page has been created to bring attention to it. To date, more than 500 people have said they are going to attend.
Jonathan said it has been an emotional time for many.
“This young man is dead and he’s never coming back,” said Jonathan. “This has brought to the surface the hate and long-standing concerns we face every day.”
The bail hearing has been set for Stanley at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Battleford today at 1:30 p.m. CST.
RCMP stepping up security
The North Battleford RCMP detachment said that its members have been notified of the gathering in front of the courthouse and will be bringing in extra members for security.
Last week, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations was critical of the way RCMP initially described the shooting death of Boushie, saying it was fuelling racial tensions in Saskatchewan.
“The news release the RCMP issued the following day provided just enough prejudicial information for the average reader to draw their own conclusions that the shooting was somehow justified,” wrote FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron in a media release.
The case has led to heated discussion on social media, which prompted Premier Brad Wall and interim NDP Leader Trent Wotherspoon to call for an end to racist comments following Boushie’s death.
“This must stop. These comments are not only unacceptable, intolerant and a betrayal of the very values and character of Saskatchewan, they are dangerous,” Wall said.
The RCMP said they are investigating social media posts relating to this case.
The FSIN’s Jonathan said tensions could be running high this morning.
“It could be heated. We lost a family member. And not just First Nations but we all have. We’ve lost a young man and it definitely has the potential to get heated.”