Southern Chiefs’ Organization to host Press Conference – Violence Against Women Continues in Taxicabs One Year after Initial Complaints Brought Forward

Press Release

December 5, 2016 (Winnipeg, MB) – Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has been working with the Winnipeg Community to create awareness on Taxicab Safety. SCO’s Violence Prevention Program and Ka Ni Kani Chihk have supported women in coming forward on incidents of violence. In early November 2016, a young Indigenous woman was seriously assaulted while accessing a Taxicab in Winnipeg. The strength of this woman is evident in that she wishes to share her horrific experience with the public to promote safety and create awareness on the dangers in Winnipeg.

Because of the serious nature of the incident the woman would like to remain anonymous but she hopes that in sharing her story with the public she can bring awareness and stop this from happening to other young women who utilize Taxi services in Winnipeg. SCO and Ka Ni Kani Chihk will speak on her behalf.

WHEN: Thursday November 8, 2016 10:00 Am
WHERE: Southern Chiefs’ Organization – 1572 Dublin Street, Winnipeg MB

During the week of November 1- 7, 2016 the public became aware of a similar incident where a young woman felt her safety was jeopardized as she was propositioned to earn extra money. This same week, our community member hailed a cab with the expectation that she was utilizing safe transportation, as society promotes public transportation. Instead she experienced the worst fear women face daily. Abducted, assaulted and became victimized by predators. Further details will be shared at the Press Conference while respecting the ongoing Police Investigation.

SCO has been one of many community organizations to speak up against the vulnerability women face while utilizing Taxicabs since October 2015. Community Organizations and SCO are appalled that these forms of violence are continuing one year later. While we do acknowledge the efforts of the Taxicab Board to make positive changes, violence and vulnerability is continuing in Winnipeg. Women should be able to safely use a Taxicab but instead women must constantly be hyper aware of their surroundings and be on alert in case they encounter a situation like the one this young woman has experienced.

Pamela Davis, Taxicab Community Complaint Advocate, of SCO stern “the public has to know that these things are happening and are mai. Every other day we are hearing about another missing woman. We need to protect ourselves, our moroers, daughters and sisters. There are things we, as womer, can do to malce sure that we stay safe when using a Taxicab”.

On Friday December 9th, 2016 at 10 am, the media is invited to attend a press conference where more information surrounding the incident will be shared. Because the request a anonpnity, represelitatives from Ka Ni Kanie—Ghibles Heart Medicine Lodge, and Southern Chiefs Organization’s Violence Prevention Program will be answering any questions in regards to the matter at hand including information on Passenger rights and Taxicab safety tips to share with the public.

For further information, please contact Pamela Davis (204) 946-1869, (204) or via email at pamela.davisa4gov.mb.ca,

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