AMC Calls Fifty-Year Delay in Clarence Woodhouse Exoneration a Wake-Up Call for Urgent Justice Reform

October 3, 2024

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) is renewing its call for the Manitoba government to conduct a comprehensive review of all murder convictions involving First Nations citizens in light of the recent exoneration of Clarence Woodhouse, an Anishinaabe man wrongfully convicted of murder 50 years ago. While today’s exoneration represents a significant victory for Mr. Woodhouse and the legal team at Innocence Canada, Acting AMC Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy believes it underscores a much broader crisis: wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice fueled by racial bias that disproportionately harm First Nations people in Manitoba.

“We honour Clarence Woodhouse for his courage and persistence in fighting for justice, bringing attention to the systemic flaws and biases in our justice system,” said Acting Grand Chief Kennedy. “But we must also remember that his case is not an isolated incident. While we are relieved that Mr. Woodhouse’s name has finally been cleared, we cannot overlook the decades of injustice he and many others have endured – and continue to endure.”

The AMC commends Chief Justice Glenn Joyal of the Court of King’s Bench, who found that systemic discrimination influenced both the police investigation and the prosecution in this case. This echoes patterns seen in the recent exonerations of Brian Anderson and Allan Woodhouse in 2023. These cases are glaring reminders to all Manitobans of the ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations people. As highlighted in the 1991 Aboriginal Justice Inquiry of Manitoba, systemic racism remains a persistent and pressing issue that demands immediate, transformative action.

“Let this moment serve as a turning point in our ongoing fight for fairness and equality in the justice system,” continued Acting Grand Chief Kennedy, “First Nations people have been calling for justice reform for decades, and the exoneration of Clarence Woodhouse serves as yet another painful reminder of the work still to be done,” she concluded.

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email:  media@manitobachiefs.com

NT4