“Eishia’s family deserves answers, and her life must never be forgotten. The conclusion of these hearings is not the end in this pursuit of justice.”
– Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2026
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) stands in solidarity with the family of the late Eishia Hudson of Berens River First Nation following the conclusion of the inquest hearings into her death.
The 8-and-a-half-month inquest ended on October 15, 2026, marking an important point in the pursuit of answers and accountability for Eishia and her family.
Eishia was a young First Nations girl whose life was taken far too soon. Her death is a painful reminder of the ongoing national emergency of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse (MMIWG2S+) people and the urgent need to address the systemic issues that put our people at risk.
“Eishia’s family deserves answers, and her life must never be forgotten. The conclusion of these hearings is not the end in this pursuit of justice. We must listen to First Nations families, hold systems accountable, and take meaningful action to address the root causes of violence against our women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse relatives. We owe it to Eishia and to future generations to do better,” says Grand Chief Jerry Daniels.
SCO has long called for justice for MMIWG2S+ people and their families. As we await the inquest’s final report and recommendations, we stand with Eishia’s family in calling for meaningful action and accountability. The concerns raised throughout the inquest, including the need to address Indigenous-specific racism in policing and strengthen independent investigations, must be taken seriously. Recommendations must lead to concrete changes that help prevent similar tragedies and protect future generations.
“SCO honours Eishia’s memory and stands with her family in their ongoing pursuit of truth, healing, and justice,” shared Grand Chief Daniels. “We also stand with all families who continue to seek answers for their loved ones and reaffirm the importance of listening to First Nations families, respecting their experiences, and taking action to protect future generations.”
Through our Justice Program, SCO continues to advocate for justice and accountability for First Nations families affected by systemic injustices. We remain committed to standing alongside families seeking truth and justice for their loved ones and working to address the systemic issues that put our women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse relatives at risk.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 First Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca