A Regina judge will rule next week on whether northerner Tristen Durocher has a constitutional right to express his views on suicide on the grounds of the Legislature.
Durocher, after walking from Air Ronge to Regina in late July erected a teepee and lit a sacred fire to begin his 44-day fast to raise awareness to suicide prevention.
The government argued the bylaws governing the use of Wascana Centre are constitutional in that the public must apply for a permit to use the grounds.
The judge questioned if Durocher had applied, he most likely would be denied, suggesting there are no exceptions to the enforcement of the bylaws.
Eleanor Sunchild representing Durocher said his Charter Rights to freedom of expression, religion and peaceful assembly were violated.
She argued that having a teepee, sacred fire, photo gallery outside the teepee and an alter are for Indigenous People a form of expressing their religion.
She called the occupation of the grounds as a ceremony.
The government relied heavily on a 2018 court injunction against the “Justice for Our Stolen Children” camp as that that decision was set in perpetuity and that this judge is bound by it.
Yet Sunchild countered asking the court that Durocher be allowed to make his own Charter submissions.
The government is seeking to have Durocher’s camp removed as quickly as possible, while Sunchild requests that Durocher be allowed to finish his ceremony.
The 44-day fast by Durocher will end September 13.
(Photo: Tristen Durocher in front of his teepee. By Brandon White, LJI)