On August 8, 2018, two separate Statements of Claim were filed at the Court of Queen’s Bench in Saskatoon relating to the August 9, 2016 death of Colten Boushie.

The first, filed on behalf of Colten Boushie’s estate, claims that Gerald Stanley – through negligence, recklessness, or by an intentional act – caused the death of Colten.

Eleanore Sunchild, of Sunchild Law in the Battlefords, SK, who is representing Colten’s estate in the claim states, “This lawsuit will prove that the death of Colten Boushie was wrongful and that the Boushie Family suffered a profound and devastating loss the night Colten was fatally shot. This lawsuit will hold the person responsible for Colten’s wrongful death accountable. Nothing can return Colten to his family, yet the Boushie Family will continue its relentless pursuit of justice for Colten.”

Gerald Stanley was found not guilty of the murder of the late Colten Boushie. Boushie’s family has now filed a lawsuit against him, the Attorney General of Canada, and members of the RCMP. Stock photo

The plaintiffs in the second claim are Colten’s mother and two brothers. They are suing the Attorney General of Canada and individual RCMP members in relation to the treatment they received by the RCMP the night Colten died.

The late Colten Boushie’s mother, Debbie Baptiste, at the preliminary hearing for the man accused and later acquitted of murdering her son. Stock photo

Chris Murphy and Ms. Sunchild are representing Colten’s family on that lawsuit. Mr. Murphy says, “We expect that this lawsuit will force the RCMP to look deep within itself and examine the manner in which the RCMP interacts with the Indigenous citizens of Canada. There can be no true reconciliation until the RCMP, itself, acknowledges that the callous manner in which Debbie, Jace and William was due – at least in part – to the fact that they were proud members of the Red Pheasant First Nation.”

These statements of claim have not been proven in court.