Memory of Colten Boushie lives on two years after death

It’s been two years since a 22-year-old Cree man was shot dead near Biggar, Saskatchewan–a day sparking grief for many.

The Justice for our Stolen Children Camp across from the legislature held a potluck in memory of Colten Boushie. His case is one of many behind why the protest camp began, also including Haven Dubois and Tina Fontaine.

Boushie was allegedly killed by Gerald Stanley on Aug. 9, 2016 after he and a group of friends drove into the farmer’s yard.

Stanley said his death was an accident–that it was the result of a hang fire from his semi-automatic pistol after he shot into the air numerous times as a warning.

Stanley was acquitted on Feb. 9 of this year.

Justice for our Stolen Children Camp supporters thank everyone who came to their potluck to remember Colten Boushie on August 9, 2018. (Jayda Noyes/980 CJME)

Remembering her brother, Satin Denny was in tears while thanking the group for coming as it helps her family stay strong.

Among those there for her is Roland Kaye.

“I just wanted to come to support the spirit of Colten and his family. I think we need to do that more,” he said.

“(Boushie), to me, represents I guess all the injustices, all the trauma, all the issues that we as Indian people face almost on a daily basis.”

Robyn Pitawanakwat played a role in setting up the memorial.

“It’s a way of building up (the) community and letting people know that they’re not alone,” she said, adding she relates to the family because she has three young Indigenous children.

“This is a really nice gathering–it’s a great size, great for visiting and getting to know people a little bit better and sharing in the memories and in the loss.”

Before the meal, everyone put both hands in front of them to thank those who prepared the food and also Mother Earth for giving them the food in the first place.