Boushie Verdict: Proof of Systemic Racism in the Legal System
Today, Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief, Alvin Fiddler, published an opinion exposé in the Toronto Star entitled, “Colten Boushie verdict more proof legal system plagued by systemic racism.”
Grand Chief Fiddler wrote:
“The acquittal of Gerald Stanley in the death of Colten Boushie has re-exposed systemic racism in the justice system — from the day Colten was shot; to the actions of the police; the peremptory challenges during jury selection; and the verdict delivered last week…”
“The continuum of these issues was highlighted by the 2013 report by former Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci in his 2013 review First Nations Representation on Ontario Juries… The fact is, many Indigenous peoples have never had the opportunity to serve on a jury…”
“First Nation exclusion from Ontario jury rolls has been a factor in many legal cases and has delayed many inquests, including the joint inquest into the deaths of seven First Nation youth who died under similar circumstances in Thunder Bay since 2000.”
To read more click here.
On January 31, 2018, Julian Falconer, counsel for Nishnawbe Aski Nation and Grand Chief Fiddler, was interviewed on CBC’s Power and Politics with Chris Hall. In the segment entitled “Exclusion of First Nation Jurors”, Julian discussed the tragic death of Colten Boushie, a 22-year-old Indigenous man from Red Pheasant First Nation, who was shot and killed on August 9, 2016.
To watch the interview with Julian click here.
In the News
Colten Boushie verdict more proof legal system plagued by systemic racism Toronto Star Opinion, February 12, 2018
Boushie family moves from anger to political advocacy in wake of acquittal The Globe and Mail, February 11, 2018
Not guilty verdict in death of Colten Boushie is ‘black eye’ for Canada, says Indigenous leader CBC, February 10, 2018
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