Dead man's family opposed to inquest in bingo hall

Plans to hold a coroner's inquest in a bingo hall have upset the family of a man who died in a standoff with police on a First Nations reserve.  

Delbert Kenneth Pelletier, 44, died in November 2006 on the Muskowekwan reserve near Punnichy, Sask. 

At the time, the RCMP said Pelletier was killed following an exchange of gunfire with police after he had been holed up in a house for more than eight hours.

A coroner's inquest has been set for five days beginning on June 2 at the Muskowekwan bingo hall in Punnichy.

Delbert Pelletier's brother, Calvin Pelletier, was among a small group protesting that on the streets of Regina on Thursday.

The family is frustrated with the preparations and want the proceedings moved to Regina. They have concerns not just about the bingo hall location —  Pelletier says gambling is contrary to his spiritual beliefs — but also about having their views properly represented at the inquest.

"This process here to me, right from the get-go, is a whitewash," Calvin Pelletier said. "Why wasn't I involved from day one? And I'm still not involved yet. So there's something wrong here."  

According to Saskatchewan's deputy coroner, Shelley Gibson, officials tried to work with the family and also consulted with elders in the First Nations' community. They are planning a "smudge" ceremony to cleanse the bingo hall.

However, it's too late to change the location now, she said.

There would be a lot to do in terms of not only canceling all the witnesses but we've also sent out 250 summons for juries," she said.

"Certainly families have an interest in the outcome, there is no requirement for them to attend. It's purely their choice."

The family says there is still time to meet with justice officials to find a solution to their concerns and ensure that Calvin Pelletier can attend.