(August 20, 2026 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – On behalf of First Nations across Canada, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak expressed deep outrage and concern in response to the Parole Board of Canada’s decision to grant full parole to Brayden Bushby. Bushby was convicted of manslaughter in the 2017 death of Barbara Kentner, a First Nations woman from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation.
National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak said, “Bushby committed a horrific act of targeted brutality and has a history of parole breaches and a pattern of high-risk behaviour. I am heartbroken for the friends and family of Barbara Kentner and the people of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway First Nation. This decision sends the wrong message about the value the criminal justice system places on the lives of First Nations women in Canada.”
Kentner was walking with her sister in Thunder Bay when Bushby threw a trailer hitch from a moving vehicle, striking her in the abdomen. She died six months later from complications related to her severe injuries. Bushby was sentenced in 2021 to eight years in prison. The Parole Board had previously granted Bushby day parole in 2023 but revoked that in 2024, following multiple breaches of his conditions and his conduct and attitudes. The Board has now determined that his risk can be “managed” in the community. Bushby has been granted full parole subject to conditions.
“The AFN stands with Barbara’s family, First Nations and Nishnawbe Aski Nation and all First Nations women and girls. We have the right to live free from violence, racism and discrimination, and families have the right to expect a justice system that takes their safety and lives seriously,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “The AFN will continue to push for systemic changes to Canada’s justice, policing, corrections and victim support systems to ensure First Nations people are protected, respected and treated equitably.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on X @AFN_Updates.
Contact information:
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]