Official Statement - Let us honour Tina Fontaine and send love, courage, and warmth to her family

VANCOUVER, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Chief Commissioner Marion Buller and Commissioners Michele Audette, Qajaq Robinson, and Brian Eyolfson extend their support for the family of Tina Fontaine and the community of Sagkeeng First Nation, Manitoba. The violent end of this beautiful young Anicinabe woman's life is a tragedy that hurts us all. Tina's death woke up the nation to the issues of violence and marginalization Indigenous women and girls are subjected too.

Since her death woke the country in August 2014, Tina's family, friends and community have shown great strength through the police investigation, court process and trial. With jury deliberations now underway, may our warmth and love wrap around each of them.

Nothing is more heart breaking than the loss of a loved one, and tragically this is not an isolated case.

To date, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls has heard from more than 700 of the 1,321 family members and survivors who have registered to share their truths about loved ones who were lost and taken from us.

Throughout this process, Commissioners and staff of the National Inquiry encourage everyone to send love, courage and warmth to Tina Fontaine's family.

SOURCE Commission of Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls

National Inquiry Communications, 250- 351- 4336, Email: [email protected]