More than 100 people gathered in North Battleford, Sask., on Thursday evening to remember 22-year-old Colten Boushie who was shot and killed on a rural property near Biggar, Sask.
Boushie’s cousin Jade Tootoosis organized a vigil that included traditional music, prayers and speeches. People lit candles and Amazing Grace was played at the request of Boushie’s mother.
“We’re here today as a community, as a nation and as a people to support one another,” Tootoosis told a crowd of supporters behind the Don Ross Centre.
Her cousin was killed Aug. 9 after the vehicle he was in approached a rural property in the RM of Glenside. There was a confrontation and Boushie was shot, according to police.
READ MORE: Colten Boushie’s death continues to cause social media firestorm
The property owner, Gerald Stanley, has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the death.
Tensions in the area intensified with allegations of racism and theft being made.
Rather than anger, Kimberly Jonathan, vice chief of the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN), and the Boushie family asked supporters to respond with love and respect on Thursday.
“This pain that we’re feeling as an extended family of Colten’s now – many of us have become a lot more close with what’s happened,” Jonathan said.
Many now seek justice and a way to move forward after the death.
“It’s evoked a conversation and a dialogue that’s really transcended outside of the Battlefords area, the Biggar area, Saskatchewan, Canada, and realistically, throughout North America,” said Boushie family spokesperson Sheldon Wuttunee.
READ MORE: Gerald Stanley granted $10,000 bail after not-guilty plea in Colten Boushie shooting
Family and friends now wait to see what becomes of Stanley, who is scheduled to make his next court appearance Sept. 13 in North Battleford.
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