Solidarity camp calling for justice still going strong, say organizers
- Andrea Dustyhorn | May 27, 2018
Prescott Dumas is passionate about justice, he has been at the camp since night one on February 28, 2018. Prescott is a strong believer in justice for the Aboriginal community.
The local Regina resident was upset about the recent high-profile court decisions – where the victims were Colten Boushie in North Battleford and Tina Fontaine in Winnipeg respectively - and was compelled to do something.
When he and the other campers pitched the teepee and tents on that cold winter day, Dumas had no idea how long he would be there and after three months he still doesn’t.
He believes there are far bigger issues at stake and in the end it will be worth it.
“Racism and discrimination affects all of our lives,” said Dumas. “This ordeal goes back to colonialism, the 60s scoop and residential school.”
He said the Aboriginal community have always been unfairly treated and that hasn’t ended. Dumas said the current foster care system is just as devastating as residential schools.
Dumas, along with the other campers, have committed to staying put until someone can answer their questions about why Gerald Stanley in the Boushie case and Raymond Cormier in the case involving Tina Fontaine, two non-aboriginal men charged with the indigenous youths deaths, were acquitted.
He wants to know who the justice system is designed to represent.
A representative from the Provincial Capital Commission was available for questions, and they have concerns for the camp. They have made contact with the camps, and PCC believes that the camp are in a number of violations and have yet to sort that out. The PCC is for Freedom of Expression and wants to meet with the camp but no firm date is set. The PCC wants to come to a peaceful resolution.
The sacred fire burns strong since that first night of camp.
Dumas added that the camp is also there to represent Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and draw attention to Haven Dubois, 14, whose 2015 death still raises questions among some in the Regina community.
“We are here for a voice for the people,” Dumas said.