The family of Haven Dubois is walking from Pilot Butte to Saskatoon demanding an inquiry be launched into his death.
The walk commenced on May 20, eight years since the teenager’s death.
Haven was discovered by his mother, Richelle Dubois in Pilot Butte Creek. The death would be ruled accidental by a coroner. However, Richelle Dubois believes the death to be suspicious.
“Since the moment that I pulled my son from the water there has never been a real investigation into the murder of my son,” Dubois said. “He was a fourteen-year-old boy who died under suspicious circumstances. This was not an accident. This was a murder. Families should not have to be the investigators when their children are murdered. I am calling for a Commission of Inquiry so people can see that there was never an investigation and there has been no accountability.”
According to Richelle, Haven was reported by F.W. Johnson High School staff to be on a field trip when Richelle was alerted to suspicious circumstances taking place with her son and his belongings. After pressing the school staff, who insisted Haven was accounted for on a field trip, Richelle was told that the staff did not know his whereabouts. Miles away, Richelle would later discover Haven in the waters at Pilot Butte Creek. Within hours, Haven’s death was reported by Regina Police Service and the media to be an accident.
“He was being bullied, there was gang pressure, and our family faced intimidation following his death,” explained Richelle. “This was an Indigenous child who was murdered and there was no investigation and no justice.”
Upon arriving in Saskatoon, the family and advocates are planning to meet with policy makers and have three demands:
1. A Commission of Inquiry into Matters Related to the Death of Haven Dubois
2. Special Investigation into School Negligence Contributing to the Death of Haven Dubois
3. National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys
The walkers anticipate being in Saskatoon on Friday.
(Photo courtesy of Chell Arella Dubois Facebook.)