5 years after Eishia Hudson, 16, was shot by a police officer, hope remains for systemic change

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, Manitoba's 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." 

Hudson could 'brighten a room'

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 youth 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.

The chief medical examiner can call an inquest under the Fatality Inquiries Act if they have reason to believe a person died "as a result of an act or omission of a peace officer in the course of duty."

A judge in an inquest submits a report and can recommend "changes in the programs, policies and practices of government" that may help prevent similar deaths from happening in the future, according to the provincial court. However, the inquest process cannot determine culpability with respect to a death, the province says.

Chief Judge Rolston said the court has been dealing with an unusual volume of new inquests along with a backlog of cases that had to be put on pause because of the coronavirus outbreak.

"Unfortunately, the inquest into the death of Ms. Hudson has been delayed partially due to scheduling issues that arose from the COVID pandemic," Rolston said.

He said details are still being finalized in the inquest into Hudson's death, which include finding a venue large enough to accommodate high public interest.

Inquest will examine role of systemic racism

The inquest, which will be heard by Judge Margaret Wiebe, will try to determine if systemic racism played a role in the teen's death, Wiebe announced in a written decision in May 2024.

"Eishia was identified as an Indigenous person during the incident with WPS on the day of her death," Wiebe wrote. "What effect or influence, if any, this had on the decisions and actions of the WPS will form part of the factual matrix of this case."

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said when she hears Hudson's name, she thinks of a young First Nations woman who lost her life too early.

"I also think about her family and the loss they've had to deal with for a few years now," Wilson said. 

"I still feel sad for them and what occurred."

The AMC's First Nations Family Advocate Office is busy preparing for its involvement in the inquest.

Wilson said members of a youth advisory group have shared their own experiences with the child welfare and justice systems, which are being put into a report to submit to the inquest. 

"I know that [the inquest] will happen, and when we look at such a complex system, such as justice, child welfare, there's a lot to review and to discuss, and we need to make sure we are taking our time looking at systemic change," the grand chief said.   

Winnipeg police declined a request for comment from CBC, saying it's because the matter is still before the courts.

Gott said not enough has changed since Hudson's death, and that concerns her.

"We know that youth are overrepresented in all systems in Manitoba, including the justice system, so yeah, I am worried."

Inquest details still being finalized 5 years after Eishia Hudson's death

7 days ago

Duration 2:36

It's been five years since 16-year-old Eishia Hudson was fatally shot by a Winnipeg police officer following a robbery and high-speed chase. An inquest looking further at the circumstances of her death has been called, but dates have yet to be set.