High-profile court cases highlight difficulties for Indigenous youth, say leaders

Two recent not-guilty verdicts in high-profile cases involving the deaths of Indigenous people is disheartening to young people, says a Saskatchewan youth leader.

Max FineDayruns the Canadian Roots Exchange, which fosters reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth, and attempts to help them unlearn stereotypes and advance their relationships.

"What Indigenous youth want more than reconciliation right now is justice," he said.

Raymond Cormier, the man accused of killing 15-year-old Tina Fontaine in 2014, was found not guilty in Winnipeg Thursday afternoon, two weeksafter the man accused of killing 22-year-old Colten Boushie in 2016 was acquitted in Battleford, Sask.

FineDaycalls the justice system a "colonial institution" that isn't working for Indigenous people.

"Young people will not reconcile without seeing these colonial systems dismantled," saidFineDay.

Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark commented on Facebookabout racism and reconciliationafter Cormier's verdict was reported.

"It shouldn't feel like a stretch in Canada to believe that these young leaders should feel valued and supported to succeed like I have always felt supported and my children feel supported," he wrote of Indigenous youth.

"These last weeks have revealed the extent of the reality that this is still not happening in our country today."

Clark went on to write that racism has become apparent in the province, and that there are questions to be posed of the justice system.

He wrote that all children in Canada should be treated fairly and equally, and that if they are not"we are not living up to our promise as a country that is meant to be a model of compassion and inclusion."

Rallies planned

Rallies are being planned in both Saskatoon and Regina, to honour both Boushie and Fontaine.

While non-Indigenous youth may want to support and stand beside their Indigenous peers, FineDay said this is a good time to listen, and to amplify the voices of people directly affected by the injustices they are protesting.