'I am used to racism': people outside Sask. court appearance continue call for change

Racism is a part of Saskatchewan's culture, according to some of the people who were outside of the North Battleford court house Thursday as Gerald Stanley made his appearance.

Stanley, 54, pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder in the Aug. 9 shooting death of 22-year-old Colten Boushie.

• Gerald Stanley pleads not guilty to 2nd-degree murder in Colten Boushie shooting

Boushie, an Indigenous man, was one of five people in a vehicle that was shot at on a farm near Biggar. His family says the group was in the yard to ask for help with a flat tire.

The case has sparked heated debate online, prompting condemnations of racist messages from Premier Brad Wall and the National Farmers Union.

"It's a difficult time for Saskatchewan," Elder Howard Walker said outside of court. "We were all aware that racism exists — subtle racism, outright racism — and how we handle that is to try and create an understanding between societies."

Walker said there was a time when he used to be able to join friends off his reserve for a meal but even that isn't happening anymore.

"I am used to racism," he said.

But Walker was quick to add that discrimination exists on both sides.

Walker was part of a crowd of about 200 outside of provincial court, with some holding signs with anti-racism slogans and wearing "Justice for Colten" pins.

People lined up outside to get a seat in the courtroom for Stanley's morning court appearance and afternoon bail hearing at Court of Queen's Bench. Many were turned away when it became too full.

Among the crowd were two members of the faculty of education at the University of Regina.

Michael Cappello decided to make the trek to North Battleford when one of his students offered him a ride to go.

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He said it was important to be there.

"This is the air we breathe in Saskatchewan. So when the premier says this isn't part of Saskatchewan, that's a wish, but that's not the truth," Cappello said.

"Unless we stand together and begin to work and unlearn and begin to live differently towards a different future, nothing changes."

Dr. Shauneen Pete of the Little Pine First Nation said as a parent, she is worried of the repercussions on not only young Indigenous people, but everyone.

"We are all dealing with the fear now. The ripple-off effects of these incidents impact all of us. It creates trauma for all of us."

After hearing nearly two hours of arguments, the judge said he would reserve his decision on whether Stanley would be granted bail until Friday or Monday.