Saskatoon, Saskatchewan — The province witnessed a momentous chapter unfold when the 2003 public inquiry spotlighted a disturbing case from 1990 involving 17-year-old Neil Stonechild, whose death under mysterious circumstances led to serious questions about police conduct. The inquiry not only reignited local and national interest but also showcased some of the brightest legal minds in Saskatchewan, including the formidable Silas Halyk.
Eric Cline, then Justice Minister, initiated the inquiry after persistent concerns that Stonechild had been in police custody the evening he met his tragic death due to hypothermia. Representing indigenous interests in the case was Halyk, who during the inquiry, presented compelling photographic evidence of injuries on Stonechild that seemed to align with marks that handcuffs might leave.
The legal proceedings were held in a Saskatoon hotel ballroom, where Halyk displayed magnified photos of the exhumed body of Stonechild, making a strong visual impact on those present by suggesting police custody involvement through a simulation that placed handcuff imagery onto the facial injuries. This demonstration, as Halyk argued, left little room for doubt regarding the teen’s custody status prior to his death.
His arguments found some validation when Commissioner David Wright concluded the inquiry by stating that Neil Stonechild had indeed been in police custody on the night of his death. This finding was a pivotal moment in the inquiry and resonated deeply within the community and beyond.
Halyk, a key figure in Saskatchewan’s legal landscape, did not just impress in this high-profile inquiry. His career spanned over five decades, marked by excellence both in criminal and civil law without a proclivity towards specialization—a common trend among his contemporaries. This made him a particularly versatile and effective advocate, engaging in a wide array of legal challenges from murder cases to medical malpractice, and even serving as a federal negotiator in land settlement talks.
Beyond his professional acumen, Halyk was also known for his dynamism in the courtroom and his ability to connect on a personal level with a broad spectrum of people—from the average person on the street to executives in boardrooms. Colleagues often described him as a natural at understanding judicial desires and navigating the complexities of legal interactions.
His passing on December 2, at the age of 86, left a void within the community he served so diligently. To honor his legacy, the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan started hosting the Silas E. Halyk Q.C. Visiting Scholar in Advocacy Lecture, aiming to continue his advocacy for excellence and mentorship in legal practice.
Such initiatives ensure that the ripple effects of Halyk’s contributions to law and advocacy continue, influencing generations of lawyers and upholding high standards in the legal profession.
As we reflect on his contributions and the impact of the Stonechild inquiry, the community and the legal fraternity are reminded of the enduring influence one committed individual can have on justice and societal progress.
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