My name is Makayla Reynolds. I’m a proud 21-year-old Gamilaraay woman living on Bediagal land, Sydney.  

In 2018, my worst nightmare became reality. My brother Nathan died from an asthma attack in prison.  It took 40 minutes for medical help to arrive, despite the pleas and screams of the young men around him. But it was too late for my brother. 

My family is one of many left behind after a loved one has been killed in custody.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts us all. The most at risk are people like my brother:  Aboriginal, chronically ill and imprisoned.  My brother, a proud Aboriginal man and loving dad with a known asthma condition couldn’t even survive the conditions of a minimum-security prison.

To prevent more deaths in custody, governments must immediately release all First Nations people and all Parole and bail authorities must show mercy. This is the only way we can protect the community and imprisoned people from COVID-19.

My family has been joined by First Nations families across Australia mourning the loss of loved ones who died in custody. Strong and united, we have a list of urgent demands for governments to prevent COVID-19 black deaths in custody. 

We are calling on Governments to #CleanOutPrisons by releasing First Nations people before it's too late.  Join us, please sign and share our petition.