AMC responds to the charges against Headingley Correctional Officer in the death of William Ahmo

January 21, 2022

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

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Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Grand Chief Arlen Dumas makes this statement with respect to the charges laid against a 43 year old Headingley Correctional Centre Correctional Officer that has been charged with Criminal Negligence causing death and Failing to Provide the Necessities of Life.   

AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas says, “First, I wish to offer my condolences to the family and friends of William and I extend my appreciation to them and Chief Derrick Henderson, Sagkeeng First Nation for pushing for justice and an investigation into his death.” 

“There have been countless deaths in all the correctional facilities in this province – both federally and provincially operated.  How many more of our First Nations people must die because of the racism encountered in these so-called correctional facilities?  How can the system that prides itself on protecting people, allow for so many people to die?”  

In the last five years, over 25 inmate deaths have been reported.   

William Ahmo was an inmate at the Headingley Correctional Centre in Manitoba who died on February 14, 2021, a week after an incident with Correctional Officers.  It was reported back in May 2021 that the incident that led to his death was due to racist remarks made by a guard.   

“I am calling on both Canada and Manitoba to act on what is taking place in these prisons.  We should not make this conversation about over-representation of First Nations people in the jail system, we should not just make this about mental health.  This is about the people who are working and running these institutions who are killing our people and getting away with it.  We cannot let this stand any longer” concluded Grand Chief Arlen Dumas.   

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