L to R: Third Vice-Chief Aly Bear, Chief Bobby Cameron, First Vice-Chief David Pratt

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is calling on the province to implement harsher penalties when it comes to impaired driving.

Around this time last year, 28-year-old Darnell Fineday was struck by an impaired driver at the intersection of Saskatoon’s Hart Road and 22nd Street. He is now unable to speak, without the use of his legs and hands, and must be fed through a feeding tube.

He is also unable to communicate with his daughter or his mother, Charlene, who had to quit her job to take care of her son.

“On April 19th, 2023, my life was impacted very tremendously. I’m still struggling. I’m still trying to find a way to help advocate for my son, because I am my son’s voice now,” she stated. “I don’t ever want to see another mother go through what I’ve been through. It is very, very hard. I’m still learning how to deal with this.”

On top of this, the woman who was behind the wheel was sentenced to two years less a day of house arrest, a one-year license suspension, and a $200 fine.

Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron says justice was not served.

“Charlene will spend the rest of her days, every single day, seven days a week, hours and hours on end looking after this young boy, and this young lady gets away with time at home and a $200 fine,” Cameron sighed.

Charlene thinks Walker should have received at least 10 years in jail for what she did to her boy, and she calls on the public to stay off the roads when they’ve had something to drink.

She adds that communication between the court and her family was poor, and she also claims her victim impact statement was altered from its original form.