I would appreciate if this was shared and that you watch and are compelled to act.
Stonechild Chiefstick was a Chippewa Cree man who was beloved by his friends and a fixture in the Suquamish Community. On July 3rd, 2019 he was shot and killed by a Poulsbo police officer, Craig Keller. The officer shot Stonechild through a crowd of people.
The mayor of Poulsbo Becky Erickson chose to go on with the scheduled fireworks display. On November 13th the body camera footage was released. The investigation was conducted by the Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team (KCIRT). This unit is comprised completely by other Kitsap County police departments. No civilian or tribal involvement. The independence of KCIRT has been criticized by the local community. The issues therein are included in the film. On April 17th 2020, the Kitsap County prosecutor stated that Craig Keller would not face criminal charges. Despite community objections Craig Keller is still employed by the Poulsbo police department.
Currently the Poulsbo police department is undergoing an internal review to “determine if Keller followed department policy.”
The community is demanding justice for Stonechild, his children, and his family. For all Indigenous people across Turtle Island.
Here are some numbers you should call to push for getting justice for Stonechild.
Mayor Becky Erickson (360) 779-3901
Poulsbo Police Chief Dan Schoonmaker (360) 779-3113
Governor Jay Inslee (360) 902-4111
I haven’t seen this being discussed at all outside of local platforms. Please watch, share, and make the calls. Poulsbo is a small town and although there are local demands to fire Craig Keller, there needs to be more outside pressure.
Demand justice for Stonechild Chiefstick. Native Lives Matter.
