A rally in memory of the recently murdered Aboriginal women in Winnipeg was held in Cabot Square, Montreal, on Saturday afternoon. Those gathered want the Manitoba authorities to do everything in their power to find the bodies of the victims.
“These women, who are missing, they were homeless. We must do better! says Nakuset, executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, to the crowd.
Under the incessant snow, about 30 people gathered in Cabot Square on Saturday in support of the families of the four indigenous women murdered in Winnipeg. Last May, the body of Rebecca Contois, 24 years old and from the O-Chi-Chak-Ko-Sipi First Nation, was found in a landfill in this Manitoba city.
Authorities recently announced that three other Indigenous women were also allegedly killed by the same man. They are Morgan Beatrice Harris, 39, and Marcedes Myran, 26, from Long Plain First Nation, as well as a fourth woman whose identity is not known. but who would also be indigenous.
Manitoban Jeremy Skibicki has been charged with four first degree murders. The bodies of the last three victims have still not been found. A major mobilization as well as political pressure was made this week for a second Winnipeg landfill to be excavated.
“Solidarity and Support”
The rally in Cabot Square – an emblematic place for Aboriginal communities in Montreal – was organized by the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and its iskweu project, a specific initiative that offers immediate assistance in the event of a missing or murdered Aboriginal woman.
“We are really here in solidarity and support for the members of the Long Plain Nation,” explains Tanisha Gallichon, coordinator of the iskweu project.
“This gathering may be seen from Winnipeg, and could bring comfort to [les personnes endeuillées] “, also underlines Nakuset.
The speeches ended with traditional songs accompanied by drums.