The top crime story in the province in 2016 erupted in August on a farm in the rural municipality of Glenside.
The shooting death of Colten Boushie, a 22-year old from Red Pheasant First Nation, sparked outrage among First Nation people and caused a social media firestorm.
Boushie was a passenger in a vehicle entered the private property of Gerald Stanley, who was charged with second-degree murder in the shooting death of Boushie.
The case fueled racial tensions from the beginning, starting with a news release from the RCMP that described an initial confrontation on the property.
That release came under fire from First Nation leaders including FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron.
“We are extremely disappointed in the way the RCMP have presented the shooting incident near Biggar, Saskatchewan, on Aug. 9, 2016,” Cameron stated. “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. The messaging in an RCMP news release should not fuel racial tensions.”
Others took to Facebook and to message boards to vent about the case, with a number of hateful and racist statements posted. Ben Kautz, a councillor from the RM of Browning No. 34 located in southeast Saskatchewan, resigned after posting about the shooting on the Saskatchewan Farmers’ Facebook site.
The situation got so out of hand Premier Brad Wall was prompted to weigh in.
"In the wake of a shooting near Biggar, there have been racist and hate-filled comments on social media and other forums,” stated Wall.
"This must stop. These comments are not only unacceptable, intolerant and a betrayal of the very values and character of Saskatchewan, they are dangerous. There are laws that protect citizens from what this kind of hate may foment. They will be enforced.”
Stanley’s initial court appearances took place in provincial court in North Battleford and then for a bail hearing in Queen’s Bench court in Battleford, after which he was released on bail. A publication ban was issued on the evidence presented at that hearing.
The court appearances were accompanied by relatively peaceful protests in the streets outside the courthouse, with supporters holding placards that read “Justice 4 Colten.”
A vigil for Boushie was also held in North Battleford on the Don Ross Centre grounds on Sept. 1.
The case continues to make its way through the justice system. Next up in the case is Stanley’s preliminary hearing which is scheduled for North Battleford Provincial Court.
