Families of people slain by police gather, mourn in Winnipeg

United by tragedy, Canadians who died at the hands of police were remembered in Winnipeg on Saturday by those who cared for them.

William Hudson was at the rally, resting his hand on the shoulder of many of the speakers. Some were brought to tears by what they believe was the preventable loss of a loved one.

Hudson's 16-year-old daughter, Eishia, was fatally shot by Winnipeg police in April 2020 following a high-speed pursuit.

"To me, this is medicine — having all the families here, all of you coming out here to show your support for the families," Hudson said.

He helped organize the BIPOC Families Against Police Violence rally, which began with a march through downtown Winnipeg and ended with speeches at the Manitoba legislature grounds. More than 200 people attended the rally.

Among those who spoke at the rally were people who lost a loved one in a police incident. Many of their stories attracted national media attention. 

"If we're going to find any justice, it's going to be right here in Winnipeg," said Peter Korchinski.

His 29-year-old daughter, Regis Korchinski-Paquet, fell to her death from her 24th-floor apartment balcony in Toronto in 2020 while police were at her home.

Investigators have cleared five police officers of wrongdoing in her death, but the family believes police are responsible.

"The truth is going to come out. It already is out," Korchinski said to applause.

Regis's mother, Claudette Beals, said later it is comforting to bring together families who share the same grief.

"The whole reason why we're doing this is because each family has been fighting by themselves ... and we've been getting no place," she said. 

"We decided to bring all of the families together because we can do more if we come together as a group," said the mother, who has travelled to multiple cities to speak out.

Martha Martin told the crowd in Winnipeg she too is seeking justice.