FSIN calls for transparency after Indigenous man dies in Sask. RCMP custody

WATCH: First Nations leaders are gathering in Kamsack calling for answers after an in-custody death of an Indigenous man. Sierra D’Souza Butts reports.

Less than 48 hours after being taken into RCMP custody in Kamsack, Sask. Gerald Straightnose was pronounced dead. Now, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) is highlighting the case - hoping to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Serving his community for six years, Gerald Straightnose left a mark on people of Keeseekoose First Nation.

“He was a band councillor. He was a hunter. He always hunted and gave food to the community members, his family members,” Straightnose’s aunt, Thelma Severight, explained.

In an effort to continue serving the people in his neighborhood, Gerald decided to deal with matters from the past.

“He had charges that led back from years ago. He wanted to deal with them in order for him to get his license back,” Severight said. “He gave himself up willingly to the police and and unfortunately, it led to his death.”

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Less than 48 hours after being taken into custody at the Kamsack RCMP detachment, Straightnose was unresponsive in his cell, where he was pronounced dead on June 5, 2025.

“Nobody deserves to die that way,” said Gerald’s sister, Janice Straightnose.

Now, his family and neighbouring First Nations are calling for answers.

On Thursday morning, the FSIN hosted a press conference near the Kamsack RCMP’s building to make public statements supporting Straightnose’s family and to express concern over the circumstances surrounding his death.

“We’re hoping to start a movement here today to ensure that something like this ... does not happen, not only in Kamsack, but across Canada to our First Nations people,” Keeseekoose First Nation Chief Alvin Musqua told the crowd.

Musqua said he, among other nation leaders, believe having Indigenous representation within the RCMP could prevent similar situations from occurring.

“We talk about Gerald passing away in the custody of the RCMP detachment, but there’s also members out there who have passed away in the correctional facility as well,” he told media.

“We need to push for better oversight in regards to having our own people being there to work in these facilities. Not only that, but also in regards to the investigation. I know that there is [Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team] to investigate but, we don’t have the a whole lot of confidence in police investigating police.”

The FSIN said it plans to support Straightnose’s family in any way possible.

“Any family, no matter who you are, when something like this happens you expect answers. We expect closure,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said.

“There’s a lot of anger, there’s a lot of hurt, and rightfully so. Families are hurt and families are sad. This is what we deal with every day.”

In a statement to CTV News, the Saskatchewan RCMP expressed its “sincere condolences” to Straightnose’s family and loved ones.

“We understand there are questions, however to be mindful of the integrity of the ongoing independent Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team investigation, we are unable to provide comment at this time,” the statement read.

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Justice similarly noted that it can not provide additional information - given the ongoing SIRT investigation.

However, the ministry did confirm that SIRT has been in contact with Straightnose’s family and that a community liaison will be appointed to assist in the investigation.

Lastly, the province added that Straightnose’s cause of death remains under investigation by the Saskatchewan Coroners Service.

Straightnose’s say they will not stop speaking out until they receive answers and justice.