5 years after Eishia Hudson, 16, was shot by a police officer, hope remains for systemic change
CBC
Five years after Eishia Hudson's deadly encounter with Winnipeg police, an advocate and a First Nations leader want to make sure the 16-year-old is not forgotten and want change to prevent the same thing from happening again.
Hudson was a member of Berens River First Nation who was fatally shot by an officer on April 8, 2020, following a chase in which police say Hudson was driving a stolen vehicle that had been involved in a liquor store robbery.
"She died in such a tragic way," said Sherry Gott, the Manitoba Advocate for Children and Youth.
Her office released a special report honouring Hudson in June 2023 titled Memengwaa Wiidoodaagewin, the Ojibway words for Butterfly Project.
"I hope for systemic change when it comes to her."
Manitoba's chief medical examiner called an inquest in March 2021 to examine the circumstances of Hudson's death and what, if anything, can be done to prevent similar deaths in the future.
No dates have been set more than four years after the inquest was announced.
"The provincial court is aware that it has been five years since Eishia Hudson died in tragic circumstances," said an emailed statement to CBC from Provincial Court of Manitoba Chief Judge Ryan Rolston.
He added the court is also aware "the delay of the inquest into her death has taken a toll on her loved ones who seek closure."
Born in Winnipeg in June 2003, Hudson was remembered in the advocate's report for her "ability to brighten a room with her humour and laughter."
Part of the inquest will examine Hudson's involvement with the child welfare system and — while she was never charged with a crime — previous encounters with police.
Hudson did not always receive the support she needed from the Manitoba government and school systems before her death, the report released by the Manitoba Advocate found.
That report, which made four recommendations to the government, is expected to be submitted to the inquest.
Manitoba's Independent Investigation Unit, the province's police watchdog, announced in January 2021 that the Crown was not recommending charges against the officer who shot Hudson.
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