Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister Bennett, Minister Wilson-Raybould, and Minister Goodale,
This evening, I bore witness to a terrible injustice to yet another Indigenous person in Canada.
Tonight, Colten Boushie’s accused murderer walked free.
I’ll ask your forgiveness if my letter seems somewhat disjointed. I, like so many people in Saskatchewan – Indigenous, and non-Indigenous alike – am still reeling from what is in our view, a horrible failure of the Canadian Criminal Justice system.
Tonight, Gerald Stanley – the man charged, and tried in the second-degree murder of Colten Boushie – walked a free man. Many will say that the jury – which was made up entirely of non-Indigenous people – was racist and that this is their fault.
I cannot fault the jury – and nor should anyone else.
As the family of Colten Boushie said, the jury did their job; and in spite of much of the public’s perception, probably did their job as fairly as they could within the confines of a system designed to seemingly benefit a few.
Tonight, I want to remind you of promises you made… the promises we made.
Whether it was you Minister Bennett when we toured together in Western Canada and visited countless First Nation communities; or you Minister Wilson-Raybould speaking with me of Indigenous Justice Initiatives at your Swearing-In-Ceremony at Rideau Hall; or you Minister Goodale the countless times we discussed a new path toward reconciliation in Saskatchewan; or Prime Minister Trudeau in my very last official meeting with you in Halifax – and the many occasions before and since then – we all promised that we would do better. For many years, I like many others, put faith in those promises. I can say that those moments filled me with optimism and hope – I truly believed in our shared mantra: “Real Change”.
Tonight friends, those words, and the moments we spoke; the countless times we shook hands and hugged, ring all too poignant for me. Tonight, like I have done so many times before, I am standing up for and with my people. Tonight, Indigenous people in Saskatchewan want real change. And I want it too.
I have called upon all Indigenous leaders from across Saskatchewan to join me in calling for an immediate review of the Canadian Criminal Justice system and I will support any and all efforts to see this become a reality. Tonight, I ask that we work collaboratively in the spirit of reconciliation, with Indigenous leadership, and grass-roots people of Saskatchewan and across our territories to conduct a review of Canada’s Criminal Justice system.
It is my sincere hope that you, along with your colleagues in the Government of Canada will work to reassure the people of Saskatchewan that although Colten Boushie did not have justice tonight, there can still be hope of ‘real change’. Demonstrate that the promises of reconciliation we made to millions of Indigenous people and Canadians were not empty rhetoric.
Tonight, Colten Boushie was not just the victim of a senseless murder; if we cannot find some way toward real change for Indigenous people in the Criminal Justice system, Colten Boushie will also be the victim of a criminal justice system that was stacked against him from the start and a government indifferent to that reality.
Sincerely,
Councillor D. Kevin Seesequasis
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
Kevin Seesequasis for BOCN Chief 
Well done Kevin. Thank you for your passion and your leadership.
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I thank you for your words. Hiy hiy.
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May the creator be with us and in God’s name let there be justice for all, peace on earth!
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Hi Kevin
Absolutely agree with you, We are firmly stand with First Nations people and believe Indigenous peoples rights. Let’s us know if you plan any kind of protest against verdicts.
Regards
Muhammad Iqbal
Saskatoon
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I also call on our Metis Leaders both Provincially (sask) and Federally to denounce this verdict and support a call for change!
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Well said, Kevin. You have captured the thoughts and feelings of so many of us. I, too, was buoyed by indicators of such promise for changes that would make things right, that would reconcile many wrongs and start us all on an equitable path. It all seems to pale in comparison to this very real proof, at least for serious matters, that things have not even begun to change. You are a better person for not faulting the jury. How can we not place some of the blame on those who feel their decision is the right one? I know a number of non-Indigenous people who want change and who stand beside us as we call for it. Let this be the biggest call to action for all Canadians to stand up to injustice and demand the necessary changes. We are stuck otherwise as we stand on the precipice of a great divide that will never be bridged under the current status quo.
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I support the sentiments of this letter. As a non-Indigenous person, I am appalled by the outcome of this trial & demand an inquiry, a re-trial, & changes to the jury selection procedure in Sask. This verdict has set back Truth & Reconciliation immeasurably. What are we to say to our young people??
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I am sincerely proud of the action that is being forwarded and challenging all leaders in respect to the Boushie family but I hope in all regards that this doesn’t go unnoticed and hidden as far justice being served. I fully support your initiative and hopefully we don’t fall asleep again in radifying on what’s been dismissed that clearly showed the injustice that was revealed ” self defence ” I also feel that we should have a callabortive agreement in re-evaluating the justice system…..we are no longer walking safe….we are sitting ducks and not only that, the only peace we can bring to our people is justice be served as committed …….to white brothers thank you for your positive comments in supporting this initiative …..God Bless You All
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https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/…/viewcontent… The Crown should appeal, based upon jury selection and voir dire. The prosecution and judge failed to meet the standard necessary to provide justice for the victim. The trial should be appealed and moved to another venue. Given the circumstances, the division in the community and the racial overtone.
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A very good letter Mr Seesquasis. I will be praying for a very positive outcome from this tragic injustice, that has revealed yet again this sick and broken justice system . Canada’s systemic racism is being so exposed that it can not ignore it anymore, I sincerely hope for that sickness to be eradicated from this land and governance.
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Thank you.
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not just to review the Canadian Criminal Justice system, but maybe reconciliation in its fullness- legal co owners of Canada
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Well spoken and faintly hopeful. I do not understand the reasoning behind this verdict. I did not think there was any aspect of existing law that could allow Stanley’s action.
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They can change without a Review, but based on numerous submissions of lawyers organizations, the jury system’s peremptory challenges. They can also allow for half of every jury to be Indigenous who tries an Indigenous person, based on a series of court challenges in Ontario. I am sick and tired of promises and reviews and commissions.
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This letter is the first logical suggestion I have come across.The only way to make changes in how indigenous people are treated in Canada is to make changes in the laws that govern this nation.We were the first peoples in this territory therefore our laws ought to soperciede their laws. Now that’ll never happen but let’s start from that premise Example organize committees to make changes to the judicial system in Canada including how jails are governed ie.I fought for changes for young offenders who were put in jail with adults in jails and prisons I fought for a saparete detention centre to rehabilitate the young offender based on the seven grandfather teaching the chiefs took it and ran with their own changes at that time very few chiefs understood what I was trying to promote the young offenders act is not what it ought to be but change happened.My point is we will not perfect it the first time.
The bigger picture is why is there an an Act to govern indigenous peoples it’s still called the Indian Act is it not? Those committees I speak of need to develop various types of Acts that ought to govern the Ero Canadian Act an Act that governs third world countries peoples coming into Canada.
The other issue is review the electoral processes it is not working it’s an adversarial system.We had hereditary chiefs that were mentored at a very young age and when the elders said he was ready then a ceremony took place in recognition and honour of the new leader. Today, there is deceitful compations for the most part potential chiefs buying votes to win – that doesn’t sit well with me and that’s what the electoral process promotes because it’s about competition. The reason why I suggest making changes in the Act/s and in Legislation in the House of Commons is it works I played a part in making changes to the discriminatory section in the Indian Act 12:1b and in the child welfare act that’s when part 10 came into place It Can Be Done!
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Tears I cry reading this letter. I am so blessed to know someone in the circles of change are speaking out on this issue. It broke my heart when I seen what happend in the search for justice for Colton. Yes, I am a direct descendant true male bloodline from “Tecumseh”. Tecumseh fought in the war of 1812. Without these First Nation Warriors standing, fighting, and sacrificing their lives for the good of Canada. Canada would not be Canada today without the First Nations Warriors of the War of 1812. I know many of those Warriors of that time, are becoming forgotten Warriors in the fight for Canada..I feel the effects. However, I am one of the many who did not have a voice to share. Cause we did not fit within the eligibility criteria. We did not fit in the time of their decided deadline date. I feel if we are able to become acknowledged and have our voices heard. We could also be a force to assist in real “Truth and Reconciliation”. I was asked what “Reconciliation” means to me. I couldn’t answer. Cause I am not a part of the energy flow that creates this opportunity. I am a “unheard soul”. The effects I carry do not fit in any of the criteria designed to heal this issue. My Grandfather Edgar Shawnoo, true hereditary descendant of the true bloodline of the Hereditary Cheiftainship of our Territory. He passed before the dealine date. He was not acknowledged at all. Same with my father, another direct male bloodline of the Original Hereditary Bloodline of our Territory. We are the carriers of what they passed to us, but we don’t know how to voice our issues we carry. We do not fit in the eligibility criteria. There is so much we hold. We need to be acknowledged also. We hold so much as the direct descendant bloodlines of our Nation. The Shawnoo people within the Kettle & Stony Point First Nation… Prayer’s for Colton. Prayer’s your voice and letter will create a positive impact. Please keep us informed on this matter. I am so happy to read your letter. It is truth, and a strong powerful letter in search of “Truth”. I wish I could be a part of the “Reconciliation” vision. I truly wish our bloodline becomes acknowledged and we are able to heal. There are many issues to be dealth with in regard to “Reconciliation” and I honor your impact you have made here. I know your words will recieve some response. I pray it is a good one! You’ve impacted me as I read your letter. It is of excellent concerns. Spelled out in a way that will create a ripple effects on all First Nations in Canada. This injustice is not right for “Colton”. His spirit still lives on, and he deserves to have “Peace” as he is to cross over. This needs to be reconciled in his honor! In prayer!! I am always here. If ever you feel you need me to assist in any way. I will be happy to help!! Even if you feel to share with anyone. I am always here, and will be happy to hear from you, and share what needs to be shared. I am presently preparing to attend College. 3 yr Advance College Diploma -Business Administration. I am working towards a ‘Bachlors”… I was contracted as “Constitution Development Coordinator” 2005-2008. However, I became concerned when I felt our Constitution truly did not reflect our true History, culture and tradition. We are even ignored within our own Territory. Simply because, we are the direct bloodline. We know what is what in our lands. We carry what has been passed to us from our Father, and his Father, and his Farther, and his Father. That is our true tradition. We are Anishnabe. We follow our Father’s, Father’s, Father’s bloodline.. In honor.. I pray your letter will create a true impact. Yes, please keep us informed. I await your reply.. Miigwech!!
Truly,
Nicole Shawnoo
Zhaawashkwod Giizhik (Blue Sky)
Kettle & Stony Point First Nation
shawnoo_n@eastlink.ca
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