Justice for Barbara Kentner: First Nations Call for Action

Barbara Kentner was struck by a trailer hitch thrown from a moving vehicle in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She later died from complications related to her injuries. Brayden Bushby was convicted of manslaughter in her death and was recently granted full parole with conditions.

Bushby has had documented issues while in the federal corrections and parole system, including racist and hate-related behaviour, breaches of release conditions, and substance-related concerns. This raises serious questions about how the Parole Board assesses risk and public safety.

We are calling for clear accountability, meaningful review mechanisms, stronger parole risk assessments, and dedicated, culturally safe support for First Nations victims and families.

Canadians must be able to trust that these serious risk factors are fully considered before someone is released into the community.

Barbara’s family deserves answers. First Nations Peoples and all Canadians deserve a justice and parole system that takes anti-Indigenous racism, violence, and public safety seriously.
Letter Campaign by
Chiefs of Ontario
Toronto, Canada

This campaign is a collaborative initiative of the Chiefs of Ontario, Nishnawbe Aski Nation, Grand Council Treaty #3, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, and the Kentner family, working together to advance justice and systemic change.