Inquiry should expose racism

Page 4

Pikiskwe

Some Canadians are in a state of denial about their own racism.

A case on point: The sentencing and subsequent inquiry into the shooting death

of an Indian by a white supremacist leader in Saskatchewan.

The judge who sentenced Carney Nerland said he thought the shooting of Leo LaChance had nothing to do with Nerland's white supremacist beliefs.

The chief investigating officer, Constable Demkiw, said "I do not believe there was any racial overtones (to the shooting)....":

Constable Demkiw's other comments may even be said to be sympathetic. "I've known the lad since he was just a little fellow, and to me he's always been Carney Nerland."

In a sworn affidavit after his arrest, Nerland said: "If I'm convicted for shooting that Indian, you'll have to pin a medal on me. I've done you all a favor."

Nerland pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge laid by the Prince Alberta police force, a charge where there is not an apparent intent to kill. He was sentenced to four years to be served in a provincial correctional institute.

Native people were shocked at the charges and the sentencing. After a year of protest from Native groups, an inquiry was announced by Saskatchewan Justice Minister Bob Mitchell.

At the inquiry, inconsistencies in the police investigation were found.

A weapons expert testified that he did not believe the bullet taken from LaChance's body could have done the damage it did if it had first passed through a door, which means LaChance may have been shot in the store.

Prior to the trial, another witness stated in a sworn affidavit he found LaChance bleeding outside Nerland's store. Inside was Nerland and two prison guards. Nerland would not let him use the telephone to call an ambulance and LaChance lay bleeding outside for 10 minutes.

The witness's affidavit was buried by police and the statements of the two prison guards - who said they saw nothing in front of the store - were accepted.

The case never came to trial because Nerland pleaded guilty.

Nerland even got special consideration at sentencing. Judge Gerein said, "While I'm concerned about the protection of the public, I must be concerned about your future well-being."

Let's hope this inquiry will not be hindered by blinders of racism.