First Nations leaders shocked and saddened
By Contributor
First Nations leaders are once again shocked and saddened by the horrific slaying of yet another young aboriginal woman, this time in Winnipeg, Manitoba. BC leaders were disturbed to hear of the murder of 15 year old Tina Fontaine, whose remains were discovered in the Red River near Winnipeg earlier this week after going missing on August 8th.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tina Fontaine’s family, friends and community during this time of extreme grief and mourning”, said Cheryl Casimer of the First Nations Summit (FNS) political executive.
“Aboriginal people from across the country, and in particular BC, share in grieving the senseless loss of yet another young aboriginal woman. Unfortunately most, if not all, First Nations in BC can directly identify and know firsthand the great sorrow of losing one of their daughters, mothers or aunts to senseless violence and death”, added Casimer.
“It is astounding to think we have to ask again, how many Aboriginal women or girls have to die or go missing in this country before the Harper government realizes the need for a full public inquiry?” asked Robert Phillips, another member of the FNS political executive.
“All Canadians should be outraged at the Harper government’s lack of action on this issue and should join with aboriginal groups across the country in calling for a full national public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women across Canada”, concluded Phillips.
