Sagkeeng First Nation walks to honour MMIWG2S people

A walk took place in Sagkeeng First Nation Wednesday, to honour and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit (MMIWG2S) people and shine a light on the plight of house-less relatives, who are disproportionately affected by violence.

The walk was a way to reflect, remember, and renew a dedication to combat violence against Indigenous peoples and to reinforce resolve to create an environment where women, girls, and two-spirit individuals can live without fear.

“Keep a memory of the ones that gone on and the ones who are missing we can’t forget about those ones because one day they might come home,” said Chief E.J. Fontaine, Treaty One.

Several family members who are directly affected attended the walk including Marilyn Courchene — whose niece Leah Keeper went missing on July 25^th in Winnipeg’s North End.

“Sagkeeng holds a heavy heart because of all these women that have gone missing with no justice and when will we find that justice, are the police in Canada doing their utmost best here,” said Courchene. “There’s so many stories to be said here from Sagkeeng and I hope that our stories are heard.”

The family of Jennifer Catcheway also took part in the walk, to help remember the teen who disappeared on June 19, 2008, the night of her 18th birthday, never to be seen or heard from again.

“I just want people to remember Jennifer on this day and every other person who has gone missing,” said Dorothy Swampy, Jennifer Catheway’s aunt.

While the walk can help bring awareness, Jennifer’s mother Bernice Catcheway says the real change that will be seen in our society, will be with the next generation, but only if we pass down what we know.

“We need to teach them what this walk is about and inform your children of the dangers that are out there, as parents we have a great responsibility to our parents,” explained Chatheway.

Chief Fontaine also spoke about the need for safe spaces on and off reserve, saying they sent a proposal to the federal government for a women’s shelter but says- they still haven’t received a response.             

“We’re considered to be ground zero here for the murdered and missing women epidemic crisis. So we’re in desperate need of those kinds of safety measures,” said Chief Fontaine.