An Indigenous mother alleges her son was assaulted by guards at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. Darla Fourstar claims the assaults on Kihiw Fourstar took place in early November, leaving Kihiw with injuries.
“November 7, was a date when Kihiw was beaten by guards while he was in cuffs. He told me that they have it on video,” Darla stated at a press conference Thursday. “November 10 he told me that out of nowhere, they rushed into a cell and had beaten him, leaving him with injuries.”
Another alleged assault would take place on Nov. 12.
Darla alleges on Nov. 29, Kihiw was denied medication for a mental health condition, which helps to mitigate anger. “He is feeling depressed and empty. He had grown up on a bubble pack full of meds. So when he doesn’t have his medication, he lashes out with anger,” she said.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations would investigate the allegations, stating that evidence it collected suggests an assault did occur.
“The concern allegedly detailed an incident where an undetermined amount of guards enter a cell as was indicated and proceeded to assault him causing injuries. Our investigation determined that the allegations were factual,” Vice Chief Dutch Larat explained.
Larat commended leadership at the Sask. Pen. for investigating the allegations and placing staff on administrative leave.
“We have learned that prior to our involvement Saskatchewan Penitentiary leadership had already acted on this incident, initiating an investigation through the RCMP and placing the four guards on administrative leave,” Lerat said.
The FSIN said it has received multiple complaints from other inmates of serious allegations against staff at the Sask. Pen., calling for a complete investigation into these allegations, but also increasing protections and professional treatment for inmates. “It’s hard for a mother to hear all this and I hope no one ever goes through what Kihiw went through,” said Darla.
She said that Kihiw has been transferred to Stony Mountain Penitentiary and is doing much better. Corrections Canada said it and the RcMP are investigating the allegation and that staff involved are on leave during the investigation.
(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Senate.)