Peter Ballantyne chief meets with Premier, Justice Minister
The Chief of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation wants to move towards reconciliation between the province, federal government and Indigenous leaders by addressing concerns in the Canadian justice system.
Following the not guilty verdict handed to Gerald Stanley Feb. 9, Indigenous leaders and people from across the country called for change in the justice system. The calls were heard by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, who responded through social media over the weekend and again during Question Period in Ottawa yesterday.
Provincial leaders also heard the calls for change, with Premier Scott Moe saying the province needs to listen carefully to the concerns.
Chief Peter A. Beatty was with a group of Indigenous leaders who met with Moe yesterday. Beatty said he’s unsure how to move forward from the jury’s decision, but noted the province and the federal government are open to working with Indigenous people moving forward.