By Bryan Eneas

FSIN applauds RCMP action over hateful comments, calls for action in Sask.

Aug 1, 2018 | 5:01 PM

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is lauding police in and around Flin Flon for arresting two individuals accused of uttering threats and inciting hatred.

At least two women allegedly took to social media to vent after their property was vandalized; one went as far as calling for a “shoot an Indian day.” In the days which have followed, their posts went viral on social media and RCMP have launched an investigation into the statements. 

“This is what we expect RCMP to do more of,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said in a press statement. “This life-threatening attitude must be stopped and those guilty of it must be charged for a hate crime.”

The press statement noted the FSIN’s Special Investigations Unit received threatening and racist screenshots and photos from members of the public following the trial of Gerald Stanley earlier this year.

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Those messages were passed on to RCMP, however the press statement indicated the FSIN had yet to receive confirmation regarding any charges being laid in those cases.

When contacted, RCMP reiterated their commitment to following up on potential online hate crimes, and confirmed they received files from FSIN.

“A number of these files have been concluded,” a statement from RCMP read. “While the posts may well have been offensive, a determination was made that they did not meet the threshold for charges under the Criminal Code.”

Some of the complaints, however, are still under investigation. No charges for inciting hatred or uttering threats have been laid.

The statement noted every investigation and every set of circumstances is complex and different and comparing situations to the one which occurred in Flin Flon cannot be done.

“People can and will be held accountable for their online activity,” Criminal Operations Officer Chief Supt. Maureen Levy said. “All complaints of potentially criminal on-line behaviour have been – and will continue to be – investigated fully.”

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca
On Twitter: @BryanEneas