(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Inmate Assaulted

FSIN allege inmate assaulted at Sask. Pen, guards involved suspended

Dec 1, 2022 | 4:00 PM

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is claiming a former inmate at the Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary in Prince Albert was assaulted by four guards.

They held a news conference on Thursday, where they had Darla Fourstar share details about the alleged incident involving her son Kihiw.

She stated Kihiw was assaulted on Nov. 9, 2022, while in cuffs and had to be taken to the medical unit after suffering injuries, which includes what she called a ‘busted skull.’

Fourstar also explained her son was denied medication and was almost attacked again.

“He said guards tried to enter his cell, but he freaked out to protect himself,” she said. “Considering what happened prior, he said something feels off.”

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Kihiw is no longer at the Saskatchewan Federal Penitentiary as he was recently transferred to the Stony Mountain Institution in Manitoba. Fourstar added her son feared for his life while waiting to be transferred.

“While I was on the phone, he says he’s basically just waiting here for the guards to take him out or beat him again.”

During the press conference, the FSIN praised the work done by the penitentiary’s leadership and Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) who reportedly started their own investigation.

“It has been our experience on this file that they have displayed transparency and acted decisively to correct this incident,” said Edward “Dutch” Lerat, FSIN’s 2^nd Vice Chief.

He also claimed the four guards involved have also been put on administrative leave, while RCMP look into the incident. In an email sent to paNOW, CSC confirmed they’re aware of an incident at the penitentiary and that the people involved have been put on leave.

“Any misconduct towards an offender is a violation of CSC’s mission, which is to provide a safe, secure, and humane environment, conducive to the rehabilitation of all offenders in CSC’s care,” read a statement from CSC. “CSC employees are expected to act according to legal and ethical standards, and are subject to the rules of professional conduct and code of discipline as stated in the Commissioner’s Directive 060 – Code of Discipline.”

Moving forward, the FSIN wants to see a thorough investigation, institutional protection for all inmates, proper access to all necessary medication, and cultural supports in place.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow