Press Releases

Trigger Warning: Details of this news release may be very distressing to read. Please be prepared to reach out for support while reading or afterwards. The Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 by calling 1-855-242-3310 or visiting https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) expresses deep disappointment and concern following the Parole Board of Canada’s decision to grant statutory release to Shawn Lamb, who was convicted of killing two First Nations women, Lorna Blacksmith of Pimicikamak Cree Nation and Carolyn Sinclair of Mathias Colomb Cree Nation and charged (before the charge was stayed) in the disappearance of Tanya Nepinak of Minegoziibe Anishinabe (Pine Creek First Nation).

“Once again, we see a system that fails to value the lives of First Nations women,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “While the Parole Board acknowledges the violent nature of Mr. Lamb’s offences and his high risk of reoffending, it still determined that he should be released. This decision sends a harmful message to every First Nations family still waiting for justice.”

It is unacceptable that families having lost their loved ones, learn through the media, that the man once charged in connection with these deaths will be released.

“This lack of communication shows a complete disregard for the families whose loved ones were taken,” said Chief EJ Fontaine of Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation. “To hear through news reports that this man has been released adds another layer of pain and frustration. The Parole Board should have notified affected families directly. Instead, it’s another reminder of how our families are continually left out of processes that directly impact them.”

The Parole Board’s own findings state that Lamb presents a “high imminent risk” of violence toward a partner, a “low imminent risk” toward others, and an “above-average risk” for sexual reoffending. Despite these warnings, the Board ruled he could be released to a halfway house or psychiatric facility under supervision.

Grand Chief Wilson added: “This release, and the way it was handled, reflects a deep failure in Canada’s correctional and parole systems. Families deserve respect, transparency, and safety. The Parole Board’s decision not only retraumatizes victims’ loved ones but also erodes public confidence in a justice system that already fails First Nations women far too often.”

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs calls on the Parole Board of Canada, Correctional Service Canada, and the federal government to:

• Re-examine the risk assessment and supervision conditions applied in this case.
• Establish mandatory notification and consultation with affected First Nations families and leadership before any release decisions.
• Implement MMIWG2S+-specific parole protocols that prioritize community safety, trauma-informed practice, and accountability to families.

“The AMC stands firmly with the Blacksmith, Sinclair, and Nepinak families and all families of MMIWG2S+,” Grand Chief Wilson said. “We will continue to push for justice and systemic change so that no family ever has to suffer through this again.”

For more information, please contact: 

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

About The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs:

The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.