ONWA mourns the loss of a young Indigenous girl

Press Release

May 09, 2017

The Ontario Native Women’s Association is deeply saddened that another young Indigenous person was found near the Neebing-McIntyre floodway in Thunder Bay. Out of respect for the family, ONWA will not share her identity. ONWA extends deepest sympathy to her family and community.

Everyone has a responsibility to help prevent violence against Indigenous women and to provide any information that may help solve a crime. The victim was last seen on Saturday, May 6 on the 300 block of North Edward Street. If anyone has information they are asked to contact the Thunder Bay police at 684-1200.

All Indigenous women and children have the right to safety. Violence is not part of Indigenous culture. The death of yet another Indigenous woman highlights the importance of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The Inquiry comes as a recommendation from the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), recognizing “the disproportionate victimization of Aboriginal women and girls” (TRC Call to Action 41). ONWA is extremely disappointed with the delays in the Inquiry.

ONWA has programming to support families and survivors of MMIWG. If you require support, referral, or wish to participate in any programming, contact ONWA at 1-800-667-0816.

For more information, please contact:

Jolene Banning, Public Relations Coordinator
Tel: 807-577-1490 ∙ Cell: 807-632-1225 ∙ Email: jbanning@onwa.ca

ILR5