AGM 2024: Honouring Truth and Reconciliation Day

On September 30th, 2024, in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we held our Annual General Meeting (AGM). This important event also recognized Wrongful Conviction Day (October 2nd) and provided an opportunity to share information on our work and launch of our Indigenous Outreach Program.

The AGM featured a powerful panel of 4 Indigenous individuals: AJ Woodhouse and Brian Anderson, 2 exonerees who were cleared of wrongful murder convictions in 2023; Kim Beaudin, former Vice-Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples; and Justice Harry LaForme, the first Indigenous judge appointed to a Canadian Court of Appeal. Guests were also treated to a catered meal from Jolene Commanda, an Indigenous caterer from Kitigan Zibi.

The event began and ended with Elder Dan Ross giving a blessing to the gathering. AJ Woodhouse delivered a heartfelt land acknowledgment in his native language. AJ and Brian shared their personal stories of wrongful imprisonment, emphasizing the importance of listening to and believing those who have been unjustly convicted. Kim Beaudin highlighted the significant overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in Canada's prisons, both the innocent and the wrongly convicted, and called for urgent reform. Justice LaForme spoke about his experiences on the bench and his role in advocating for a new commission focused on wrongful convictions, with representation from Indigenous and Black communities.