The School of Social Work is greatly saddened over the recent court decision to acquit Gerald Stanley in the murder of Colten Boushie. The court decision is a grave injustice to Colten, his family, his friends, the Red Pheasant Cree Nation, and all Indigenous communities on Turtle Island.
We recognize that the court decision is yet another instance of the colonial/state violence and institutionalized racism that impacts the everyday lives of Indigenous Peoples.
We reject responses to the court decision that enact and promote white supremacy and violence, hate, and discrimination against Indigenous Peoples and communities.
In keeping with the Truth and Reconciliation’s Calls to Action on Education, the School of Social Work endorses the Open Letter to University Presidents from Indigenous Faculty Members and Allies.
The School of Social Work stands in solidarity with Colten’s family, friends, the Red Pheasant Cree Nation, and Indigenous communities.