‘No justice served:’ Emotional reaction to Stanley acquittal

The sound of crying amplified around a Battleford courtroom Friday night following the acquittal of Saskatchewan farmer Gerald Stanley.

After 13 hours of deliberations, a jury cleared Stanley of all wrongdoing in the shooting death of 22-year-old Indigenous man, Colten Boushie, on Aug. 9, 2016.

Following the verdict, Stanley left the room hurriedly, escorted by sheriffs, as screams — including yells of “murderer”— broke out.

“There was no justice served here today,” said Jade Tootoosis, Boushie’s cousin, outside court.

“We will fight for an appeal and answers to all the racism that my family has experienced in the days since Colten was shot until the jury delivered the verdict of not guilty.”

Jade Tootoosis speaks after #StanleyTrial verdict pic.twitter.com/HDszNt1OXB

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) February 10, 2018

Boushie’s brother, Jace Baptiste, was emotional as he spoke with reporters outside.

“I don’t know what society is, but I guess you can shoot people in the back of the head and get away with it,” he said.

“This ain’t right. This ain’t justice and the law system failed my family.”

#ColtenBoushie brother Jace Baptiste very upset at not guilty verdict. pic.twitter.com/6YYOcFf0ut

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) February 10, 2018

Boushie’s mother, Debbie Baptiste, left sobbing with her head down. As she got into a vehicle, she screamed, “We’re dead.”

The young man’s death garnered national attention and exposed a racial divide in the province.

Supporter Lori Nicotine from Poundmaker Cree Nation was at the courthouse and said she believes the trial has brought much-needed attention to injustices felt by Indigenous communities.

Ahead of the jury’s decision, Saskatchewan municipal and Indigenous leaders renewed calls for calm.

Within minutes of the verdict, new Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe tweeted out a message calling for unity.

“I know there may be some strong reactions regarding the verdict of Gerald Stanley trial,” he wrote.

“Let us all remember personal responsibility for thoughts, actions and comments – including on social media — and that Saskatchewan is always strongest when all our communities work together.”

I know there may be some strong reactions regarding verdict of Gerald Stanley trial.

Let us all remember personal responsibility for thoughts, actions & comments – incl on social media – & that SK is always strongest when all our communities work together https://t.co/3JkMqoMdui

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) February 10, 2018

Within an hour of the news, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) and the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs called for an inquiry into what they describe as a “number of injustices during the trial.”

“There will be an inquiry, we support that, and we will be speaking as loud and as strong as we can,” said FSIN vice-chief Kimberly Jonathan outside court.

The organizations took aim at the jury selection — and lack of Indigenous representation – along with the work done by the prosecution and the trial process itself.

While emotions ran high outside court, Jonathon urged First Nations communities to remain calm and peaceful.

“Because those truly are our teachings. We’re all hurting and we all know what we face with racism,” Jonathan said.

She also had a message for all of those who felt broken by the verdict.

“Please, please remain peaceful. We need to call on peace and calm right now. It’s not us against them. We’re not First Nations against non-First Nation, we’re here together and we promise that, that we co-exist peacefully.”

‘Systemic injustices:’ Boushie family lawyer

Boushie family lawyer, Chris Murphy, spoke candidly following the outcome. He said after spending a year and a half with the family, he learned how strong people could be.

Murphy asked the crowd outside the courtroom to understand what the man’s family must be feeling.

“Imagine you’re a member of Colten’s family today; re-living the death of your son, your brother and nephew,” he said.

“At the same time, truly believing that the colour of Colten’s skin contributed to the tragic events of Aug. 9, 2016, the subsequent police investigation and the proceedings that follow.”

Murphy reiterated this is not the end of the matter, adding the Boushie family’s journey has only just started.

“We will be going to Parliament Hill this month to describe the systemic injustices that this case has revealed,” he said.

“We are committed to work together to ensure that the trial of Gerald Stanley and the death of Colten Boushie shines a light on this darkness, and we ask nothing more than each of you help us along the way.”

#coltenboushie family lawyer Chris Murphy says they'll take this case to Parliament Hill as example of Indigenous injustice. #StanleyTrial pic.twitter.com/yHfdw7SmwG

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) February 10, 2018