Judge to give Decision on Freedom for 2 Indigenous Sisters in Prison for more than 30 Years

Bail Decision to be made at 9:00 a.m., Monday, March 27 in Yorkton, Sask

Justice Layh of the Court of King's Bench in Yorkton, Saskatchewan will deliver his decision whether Odelia and Nerissa Quewezance, two Indigenous sisters who have been in prison for more than 30 years since Feb 25, 1993, should be released on bail while they wait for Minister Lametti’s decision in their case. 

 

In December, 2021, the sisters asked the Minister to review their convictions for 2^nd degree murder as miscarriages of justice. They are supported by Innocence Canada and many Indigenous activists’ groups and supporters across Canada. 

 

In June, 2022, the Minister advised that he believed there may have been a miscarriage of justice in their case. 

 

In the summer of 2022, Odelia and Nerissa filed an application in the King’s Bench Court for their release on bail pending the Minister’s decision. The application was heard by Justice Layh in November 2022, and again in January, 2023. 

 

On Monday, Justice Layh will deliver his decision in open court in Yorkton. Odelia and Nerissa will both be there, along with their families and supporters. 

 

Media can attend the court in person to hear Justice Layh’s decision.