Treaty One Nations Condemns Remarks Referring to Gerald Stanley as a “Victim”

Treaty One Nations Condemns Remarks Referring to Gerald Stanley as a “Victim”

Manitoba PC MLA remarks undermine reconciliation and re-victimize First Nation families

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB, May 25, 2026 – Treaty One Nations is deeply disturbed by comments made in the Manitoba Legislature last week by Progressive Conservative MLA Josh Guenter referring to Gerald Stanley as a “victim” during debate surrounding the killing of Colten Boushie.

For many First Nations people across the Prairies and throughout Canada, the death of Colten Boushie remains a painful reminder of the racism, discrimination, and inequities First Nation peoples continue to face within Canadian society and the justice system.

Statements that attempt to recast the narrative around this tragedy dismiss the grief carried by First Nation families and communities, and risk deepening division at a time when meaningful reconciliation requires accountability, understanding, and respect.

“Making comments like this in a legislative chamber, at a time when governments across this country continue to speak about reconciliation, is unacceptable in 2026,” said Chief Gordon BlueSky, Treaty One Nations Chairperson. “I am against crime in any form, but re-victimizing a family that has already endured so much pain and loss is appalling, regardless of the circumstances. Public officials carry a responsibility to speak with care and respect, especially on issues that deeply affect families and communities.”

The killing of Colten Boushie sparked national conversations about racism, jury representation, and the treatment of Indigenous peoples within the justice system. The case led to widespread calls for reform and prompted significant public reflection across Canada.

Treaty One Nations stands with the Boushie family, Red Pheasant Cree Nation, and all First Nation peoples who continue to call for dignity, fairness, and justice.

At a time when First Nation leaders, communities, and organizations are working to advance reconciliation and build respectful relationships, rhetoric that minimizes the pain experienced by First Nation families or reframes violence against First Nation people as victimization of the perpetrator undermines the work being done toward reconciliation.

Treaty One Nations calls on Manitoba’s elected officials to speak with care, responsibility, and respect on issues that continue to have profound impacts on First Nation families and communities.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Vic Savino
Director of Communications, Treaty One Nations
Email: vsavino@treaty1.ca | Cell: 204-881-4512