The FSIN And The White Bear First Nation Call For Public Inquiry

(Saskatoon, SK) The White Bear First Nations and the family of Chase McKay support the FSIN's call for a public inquiry into the police shootings in Saskatchewan of First Nations people including Chase McKay’s death. McKay was shot to death by RCMP officers on June 14, 2008. A coroner’s inquest into the shooting ruled McKay’s death as suicide.

“The Coroner’s Inquest has raised more questions that need answers. The types of answers that can only be found during a public inquiry,” says FSIN Vice Chief Morley Watson. “In October 2008 the Federation called for a public inquiry into the numerous police shootings of First Nations people in the last few years. The suicide ruling of the shooting death of Chase McKay further supports our call.”

The White Bear First Nation and the family of Chase McKay disagree with the Coroner’s charge and the finding of the jury that Chase McKay's death was a "suicide". They believe the correct finding regarding cause of death was one of "homicide" or "undeterminable".
“The Coroner’s instructions to the jury influenced the suicide ruling,” says White Bear First Nation Chief Brian Standingready. “We don’t believe for a minute that Chase Mckay was suicidal.”

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.



For More Information Please Contact:
Mervin Brass, Executive Director of Communications
Direct: 306.956-1026
Cellular: 306.220-7187
Facsimile: 306.665.0115