Families of people slain by police gather, mourn in Winnipeg

United by tragedy, Canadians who diedat the hands of police were remembered in Winnipeg on Saturdayby those who cared forthem.

William Hudsonwas at the rally, resting his hand on the shoulder of many of the speakers. Some were brought to tears by what they believe was the preventable loss of a loved one.

Hudson's 16-year-old daughter, Eishia, was fatally shot byWinnipeg police in April 2020 following a high-speed pursuit.

"To me, this is medicine having all the families here, all of you coming out here to show your support for the families," Hudson said.

He helped organize the BIPOC Families Against Police Violencerally, which began with a march through downtown Winnipeg and ended with speeches at the Manitoba legislature grounds. More than 200 people attended the rally.

Among those who spoke at the rally were people who lost a loved one in a police incident.Many of their storiesattracted national media attention.

"If we're going to find any justice, it's going to be right here in Winnipeg," saidPeter Korchinski.

His 29-year-old daughter,Regis Korchinski-Paquet,fell to her deathfrom her 24th-floor apartment balconyin Toronto in 2020 while police were at her home.

Investigators have clearedfive police officers of wrongdoing in her death, but the family believespolice are responsible.

"The truth is going to come out. It already is out," Korchinski said to applause.

Regis's mother, Claudette Beals, said laterit is comforting to bring together familieswho share the same grief.

"The whole reason why we're doing this is because each family has been fighting by themselves ... and we've been getting no place," she said.

"We decided to bring all of the families together because we can do more if we come together as a group," said the mother, who has travelled to multiple cities to speak out.

Martha Martin told the crowd in Winnipegshe too is seeking justice.

Her daughter,Chantel Moore, was shot and killed by a New Brunswickpolice officer during a wellness checkin 2020. The officer is notfacing criminal charges, since hebelieved Moore was using force or presented the threat of force, prosecutors said.

Martin doesn't agree with their position.

"You come to thesegatherings and you feel all the pain of all the parents and the sisters and the grandparents," Martin said.

"And then you get strength when you hear other stories, and we come together and get stronger," she said.

Jason Collins, 36, was shot to death in April2020 in Winnipeg by officers responding to a domestic violence call.

A childhood friend has questionedthe policeaccount ofevents.

"Jason was a son, a father, a brother, an uncle and a best friend to many. He was a working man and someone who would share the shirt off his back with anyone."

Many attendees at Saturday's rally called for reform of policing, including calls for abolishing police forces,and some speakers demanded political leaders show they care aboutthe lives of citizens who are Black, Indigenous orpeople of colour.

William Hudson says he disagrees with the Winnipeg Police Service's description that his daughter was involved in a "full-blown pursuit."

"They have on their vehicle, 'weprotect and serve,'" he said of police. "Their vehicle should be saying 'we protect our own before we protect the community.'"

The Winnipeg Police Service said in a statement it respectspeople's right to peaceful assembly and protest, regardless of the cause.