A Gaping Hole in Justice for Indigenous Victims

As I walked through the stories of pain and resilience shared by First Nation leaders on Parliament Hill, one thing stood out: Canada’s justice system still grapples with its historical failures. The decision to grant full parole to Brayden Bushby, who was found guilty in the 2017 trailer-hitch death of Barbara Kentner, has left her family and community feeling betrayed once again.

The Parole Board of Canada claims that releasing Bushby would contribute to “the protection of society” by facilitating his reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen. However, this assertion is nothing short of a mockery given the harm caused to Indigenous communities. Connie Kentner, Barbara’s sister, spoke eloquently about the injustice her family faces: “There are Indigenous women and girls watching. There are families who are asking themselves whether the justice system will protect them and whether their voices will matter if something happens to them.”

This decision comes on the heels of numerous warnings from experts and community leaders about the devastating impact of systemic racism and trauma within the justice system. Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh’s powerful words during Monday’s march highlighted this national shame: “Today I am more ashamed of this country than I have been in a long time, and I stand with you all today in solidarity to call out this national shame.” The disproportionate number of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people who experience violence is a stark testament to the systemic failures that must be addressed.

The Parole Board’s response, which cited extensive training for board members on anti-racism and trauma-informed approaches, rings hollow when faced with the reality of this case. The PBC’s assertion that they cannot comment directly on Bushby’s release due to privacy concerns underscores their own role in perpetuating secrecy and silencing families like Kentner’s.

The lack of communication between the PBC and Barbara’s family about his release is particularly egregious, revealing a broader culture within the justice system that prioritizes efficiency over compassion. The Chiefs of Ontario have called for “a dedicated, proactive, culturally safe support service for First Nations [victims] and families navigating the federal corrections and parole system,” a demand that is long overdue.

We’ve seen this pattern before - releasing perpetrators with little consideration for their victims’ rights or well-being. Brayden Bushby’s case is merely one example of an entrenched problem. If we truly want to address systemic racism, we must acknowledge that justice is not just about punishment but also about accountability and healing.

As Barbara Kentner’s family continues to fight for justice and recognition, they are rebuilding their community with resilience. Connie Kentner’s vow to tell her sister’s story and ensure she’s not forgotten resonates deeply with many Indigenous families who have lost loved ones at the hands of violence. They know that in this moment, their voices matter more than ever.

In the face of such pain and resilience, we must ask ourselves: what does it say about our society when a system meant to protect us instead fails those most vulnerable? As Ogichidaa Kavanaugh so powerfully stated, “This decision is a miscarriage of justice. It sends a horrible message to our people that our lives are only worth a small jail sentence and a few lines in the media.” We must listen to these voices, acknowledge this national shame, and demand change.

Only then can we begin to address the gaping hole in justice for Indigenous victims - a chasm dug deeper with each passing year.