The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is calling for an independent civilian oversight committee in Saskatchewan to investigate police-involved deaths or injuries.
Saskatchewan is one of the only provinces without this type of committee.
“We understand that it takes time for these things to happen,” FSIN Vice Chief Dutch Lerat said at a news conference Wednesday in Saskatoon. “I’m very confident that it will happen. The timing is a work in progress. We look forward to moving that issue along. That is a priority. We urge the Ministry of Justice to improve upon the public complaints process with emphasis on creating a civilian-led oversight authority.”
The press conference was also held to honour the late Neil Stonechild in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the release of Justice David Wright’s Stonechild inquiry report.
Stonechild’s frozen body was found in Saskatoon’s northwest industrial area in 1990.
Wright’s report concluded that two Saskatoon police officers had Stonechild in custody on the night of his disappearance.
“First Nation positions and perspective are paramount into ensuring that these types of tragedies don’t happen again,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said. “15 years later, we want to remember what transpired in Saskatoon and effects that were felt across the country. Because of this inquiry report and its recommendations, real systemic changes were made to the Saskatoon Police Service and policing policy across our province. Neil Stonechild did not die in vain. His legacy still lives on in the training of police officers far and wide and the changes that were made in his name. We continue to rebuild and heal from the trauma our First Nations people faced but there is still room for improvements. We can no longer allow the police to investigate themselves.”
(PHOTO: Left to right, are FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron, FSIN Vice Chief Dutch Lerat and former FSIN Chief Lawrence Joseph.)