FSIN backs petition for new prosecutor in trial over Colten Boushie's death

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is backing a petition launched by the family of Colten Boushie demanding a new Crown prosecutor and an out-of-province lead investigator for the case.

Boushie, who was 22 and from the Red Pheasant First Nation, was shot and killed Aug. 9 while riding in an SUV that went onto a farm near Biggar, Sask.

Gerald Stanley, a 55-year-old farmer, will stand trial on a charge of second-degree murder later this year.

Boushie's cousin, Jade Tootoosis, has said the family wants a new prosecution team because of how they feel they've been treated in the case and because of allegations evidence was mishandled.

• Family of man shot on Sask. farm calls for out-of-province investigator
• Colten Boushie family lawyer says vehicle evidence in shooting compromised

FSIN members passed a resolution supporting that idea on the first day of the group's annual assembly.

Tootoosis said the family feels a lead RCMP investigator and a prosecutor from outside the province would be less biased.

"Saskatchewan just seems to be a very well-connected province, especially with it being so farmer-based," said Tootoosis, who lives in Edmonton.

"We feel that somebody from outside of the province would provide a more accountable process."

The public prosecutions office said it is confident in the counsel assigned to the case.

The killing of Boushie ignited racial tension in Saskatchewan, with many demonstrations held during court hearings in the case.