Sweetgrass and CFWE news briefs - Nov. 24, 2015

LEAF, IAAW seek intervener status in Gladue appeal

November 24.

This morning, the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund and the Institute of the Advancement of Aboriginal Women will argue a motion at the Alberta Court of Appeal for leave to intervene in the Cindy Gladue case. At trial in March, the jury accepted the defence that Gladue, an Indigenous sex worker, had consented to “rough sex” and acquitted Bradley Barton, charged with first degree murder in Gladue’s death. The judge gave the jury the option of finding Barton guilty of manslaughter. In 2011, Gladue, 36, bled to death in a bathtub at the Yellowhead Inn, in Edmonton, as a result of a wound inflicted by Barton. “The Cindy Gladue case raises critical issues of the law of consent, the treatment of Indigenous women by the criminal justice system, and the issue of violence against women in general,” said Dr. Kim Stanton, LEAF’s legal director. LEAF and IAAW hold that the court’s interpretation of consent in this case will affect Indigenous women who are sex workers. “The significance of this case cannot be underestimated. If the verdict stands it will provide a precedent detrimental to all women, as it would reinforce the degradation of, and lack of respect for, women’s bodies,” said IAAW president Muriel Stanley Venne. A pre-appeal vigil is scheduled to be held at the Edmonton Law Courts this morning.

Tragedy on highway claims life of MLA

November 24.

A traffic accident on Queen Elizabeth II highway yesterday afternoon claimed the life of Calgary Greenway MLA Manmeet Bhullar. Early indications are that Bhullar left his vehicle to assist a motorist in an accident and that he was struck by a semi-truck that lost control. Under the Redford and Prentice PC governments, Bhullar held several cabinet positIons and was the minster who lifted the publication ban on the names of children, who died while in government care. Premier Notley called Bhullar a “passionate advocate for Alberta.” Wildrose leader Brian Jean said, “Words cannot express the incredible sadness we all feel over the sudden and tragic loss of our dear colleague.” The legislature will not sit today, observing a day of mourning. All flags on provincial buildings will be lowered to half-mast until sunset on the day of Bhullar’s funeral.

Legacy fund created in memory of Metis filmmaker

November 23.

In memory of award-winning Edmonton Metis filmmaker Gil Cardinal, who passed away this weekend, the Gil Cardinal Legacy Fund has been created by a group of Edmonton filmmakers to assist emerging Indigenous filmmakers wishing to produce a demo for their first film, drama or documentary. Cardinal was known for exploring raw subject matter such as substance abuse, the foster care system, and his own struggles with his cultural identity. He directed episodes of hit TV series such as North of 60 and The Rez, as well as the Gemini-nominated miniseries Big Bear. In 2009, Cardinal wrote the pilot for the TV series Blackstone, starring Michelle Thrush and produced by Prairie Dog Film + Television, after gathering extensive research on the issues facing many Indigenous communities. Earlier in his career, Cardinal worked for many years with the National Film Board of Canada as a freelance director, researcher, writer and editor. In Cardinal’s memory, the NFB’s online portal, NFB.ca is featuring a playlist that he curated entitled, “The Aboriginal Voice: The National Film Board and Aboriginal Filmmaking through the Years.” Cardinal, 65, passed away in Edmonton on Nov. 21 after a lengthy illness.