The police union in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is blaming First Nations for the firing of two officers linked to the death of a Cree Native teen.

The union says the police chief buckled to political pressure from Native leaders. Due to lack of support and low morale, the force will have trouble hiring new officers, including Native ones, the union says.

A government inquiry found that Neil Stonechild, 17, was picked up by two officers on the last night he was seen alive. When he was found frozen to death in a field outside of town, he had marks on his body that were "likely" caused by police handcuffs, the report said.

The officers, Bradley Senger and Larry Hartwig, plan to appeal.

Get the Story:
Police union blames resignations on lack of support (CBC 11/16)

Relevant Links:
Stonechild Inquiry - http://www.stonechildinquiry.ca
Starlight Tours, from the CBC - http://cbc.ca/national/magazine/starlight/index.html

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