Protesters have set up camp at the Calgary courthouse demanding change to the justice system following the controversial verdict in the Raymond Cormier trial last week.
They’re following similar protests which started in Winnipeg where Cormier was found not guilty in the death of Tina Fontaine, 15.
The verdict sparked an outcry of anger and frustration across the country, with many saying the justice wasn’t served.
“We want to have a feeling of some tangible change,” said Garret Smith. “Something that will actually have an effect on the way our people are treated in judicial systems.”
Smith said he also hopes the protest serves as a way to engage the local community on the issues Indigenous people face in the judicial system.
He and the others also vow to stay there until they see change. The protest was part of a march over the weekend through the city honouring Fontaine.
“It is sad that something like this has to happen in order to bring glaring statistics out to Canada and the way we are treated in this country,” said Lowa Beebe, one of the organizers.
“I want every Canadian to think; how do I play a role in this? How am I treating my peers? Do I understand my peers? Do I understand what this country was built on? Do I understand that 151 years later a modern form of genocide is happening here, what does that say about our country?”
We are all treaty people and it is everyone’s responsibility, Indigenous or not to support cases like this. Today It may not affect you personally but fighting for justice within Canada’s legal system should be seen as a critical issue for everyone to get behind.
We are all treaty people and it is everyone’s responsibility, Indigenous or not to support cases like this. Today It may not affect you personally but fighting for justice within Canada’s legal system should be seen as a critical issue for everyone to get behind.