It was a packed courtroom at Saskatoon Provincial Court as Dawn Walker made her first court appearance, charged with mischief and child abduction.

She and her son were reported missing on July 24th and later her truck and some of her belongings were found at Chief Whitecap Park. The pair were found in the U.S. in Oregon. Walker is facing charges there related to using false documents to cross the border.

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, where she worked, has alleged there was domestic violence. Her family and friends have said the case is about the justice system’s treatment of Indigenous women seeking help or safety.

The Crown is opposed to Walker’s release from custody and she has been transferred to Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert.

She is back in court on Friday for a bail hearing.