parole

More accountability and transparency are being demanded from the Parole Board of Canada.

First Nations leaders, individuals and others gathered in Ottawa on Monday to voice their concerns with the justice and parole system directly on the steps of the Parole Board’s offices.

They are using the recent case of Brayden Bushby of Thunder Bay as the basis for their demands.

Bushby was convicted of manslaughter in the 2017 death of Barbara Kentner of Wabigoon and sentenced to serve nearly eight years in prison, but was released after six years.

Her family members say they were not consulted.

“We didn’t get a copy of the decision, and we have no idea what his parole conditions are,” says Connie Kentner.

“So we are forced to ask ourselves the question, what kind of consideration for victims is that? Our family is left feeling that we have once again been failed by a system that is supposed to recognize and respect victims of crime.”

First Nation leaders are asking for a review of the Bushby decision.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum says the Parole Board needs to take into account First Nations concerns in any case where a First Nation person is involved.

“There has to be a review of the process of the parole board when it comes to addressing the individuals that are First Nation people, whether they’re the ones being the offender, or the victims of a particular case,” says Achneepineskum.

“We’re not asking for leniency of any sort. We’re asking for accountability and to have an opportunity for First Nations people to be a part of the review and recommendations and also part of the process once they decide to release an offender back into our society.”

Grand Council Treaty 3 Grand Chief Francis Kavanaugh agrees.

“If there is a parole board holding a meeting to consider releasing someone on full bail, then the family and First Nations should have been involved, ” says Kavanaugh.

“We had to be at that hearing so we could provide our thoughts into the process.”

Kavanaugh says by not being involved, First Nations people are being dehumanized.