AMC Statement on Sentencing in the Murder of Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin
July 3, 2026
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba — The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) acknowledges today’s sentencing in the first-degree murder of Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin. The Court imposed the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment with no eligibility for parole for 25 years. While the sentence brings an important measure of accountability, no court outcome can restore Mackaylah’s life or lessen the grief carried by her family, friends, and community.
Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin was deeply loved by her family, friends, and community. She gave her time and care to supporting young people, and those who knew her remember the warmth, kindness, and light she brought into their lives. Her absence is felt deeply, and AMC holds her family and loved ones in our thoughts as they continue to carry this loss.
“Today’s sentencing marks an important moment in the pursuit of justice, but it cannot restore the life that was taken from Mackaylah or the future she deserved,” said Grand Chief Kyra Wilson. “Our thoughts remain with her family, whose strength and courage throughout this process have inspired many. We honour Mackaylah’s memory by continuing to advocate for meaningful action to end violence against First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.”
As Chief of Mackaylah’s home Nation, Chief EJ Fontaine of Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation acknowledged the significance of today’s sentencing for her family and community.
“Justice has been served, and we recognize the significance of this moment for Mackaylah’s family and everyone who has stood beside them over these past several years,” said Chief EJ Fontaine. “While no sentence can ever heal the pain of losing a loved one, we hope this decision provides a measure of peace as they continue their journey of healing. Mackaylah will always be remembered, and we will continue working together to ensure no other family has to endure this kind of loss.”
“For families, the end of a court case is not the end of their journey,” said Melissa Robinson, Director of the AMC Missing and Murdered First Nations Peoples Unit. “Tomorrow, and every day after, they will continue to carry the absence of someone they love. Our responsibility is to ensure they are never alone—that they continue to have access to the support, advocacy, and culturally grounded services they deserve.”
The AMC recognizes the strength and resilience of Mackaylah’s family throughout the investigation, trial, and sentencing. Their courage, including sharing the lasting impacts of this loss through victim impact statements, reflects the determination of many First Nations families who continue to seek truth, accountability, and justice for their loved ones.
While today’s sentencing concludes the criminal proceedings, it does not conclude the responsibility shared by governments and institutions to address the ongoing crisis of violence against First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. True justice also requires prevention, community safety, sustained investments, and meaningful action to end this violence.
The AMC continues to call on all levels of government to uphold their responsibilities by working directly with First Nations to implement the Calls for Justice from Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, particularly sections 1.0 to 1.11. This work must include transparent public reporting, accurate and current data, meaningful action to address ongoing human rights violations, and long-term supports for families that are First Nations-led, culturally grounded, and responsive to their needs.
Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin will not be forgotten. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs honours her life, stands with her family, and remains committed to advancing justice, healing, accountability, and meaningful action to end violence against First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
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.