The family and supporters of Colten Boushie gathered on the grounds of Don Ross Centre in North Battleford Thursday night for a vigil in his memory.
The night included drumming, songs, speeches and a round dance, as well as a candlelight vigil that took place right at dusk as the sun set in the distance.
One of the more moving moments of the night came with a solo bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace, which brought many of the 80 to 90 people in attendance to tears.
The gathering was one of a number held in Boushie’s memory since his shooting death Aug. 9 north of Biggar.
The accused, Gerald Stanley, is charged with second-degree murder and his next court date is Sept. 13.
The case has prompted much discussion in the province, particularly on the issue of race relations towards aboriginal people. Boushie was a member of Red Pheasant First Nation.
Vice-chief Kim Jonathan of FSIN was one of those who spoke at the gathering Thursday evening. She credited Boushie’s family for setting a peaceful example throughout.
“The family has led by example from day one,” said Jonathan. “They call on love and respect, they call on love to honour Colten, and they’ve led that by example.
“So that tells me and shows me and the rest of the people who are watching, and maybe not knowing much about the case or Colten and the family ... what that does is provide a lot of hope and optimism and that Colten’s memory, who he is, all of the brilliant things that made Colten Colten, always helping everywhere, and I feel like I know that he’s here right now.”
