FSIN pushes for aboriginal peacekeepers

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations has renewedcalls for aboriginal peacekeepersafter aman in the northern community of Southend was shot and injured by an RCMP officer last weekend.

Christopher Okemawis, who has recovered from the shooting, is the fifthperson to be shot by Saskatchewan police in the past seven months. Three of the five were killed.

"All of the shootings has been against aboriginal people. Big question mark: Why?"Lawrence Joseph, thefederation's chief, saidat news conference Wednesday.

"We're not the only ones that are dangerous. Let's put it that way."

Adding aboriginal peacekeepers to the policing mix could help prevent tragedies because the peacekeepers would have a different relationship with the community, Joseph said.

His organization hopes to get support for the idea from the RCMP and the federal government.

FSIN first raised the ideaafter 21-year-old Chase McKay, also known as Chase Standingready, was shot by RCMP on the White Bear reserve during a domestic dispute in June.

The organization has launchedits own investigation into the shooting in Southend. Police have saidOkemawiswas carrying a weapon and the veteran officer considered him dangerous.