Indigenous organization announces help available for those affected by recent murders

Ka Ni Kanichihk is raising concern over the urgent need for action to end the genocide of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

The Winnipeg Police Services (WPS) notified the public of the arrest of Jeremy Anthony Michael Skibicki on December 1, who is the alleged suspect in the murder of four Indigenous women. The 35-year-old has been charged with First Degree Murder.

The Indigenous organization states that it stands with the families of the victims as they grieve the loss of their loved ones. 

"Indigenous women are sacred and valued. We honour the lives of Rebecca Contois, Marcedes Myran, and Morgan Beatrice Harris. Along with the MMIWGS2S+ Implementation Committee, we honour the life of the fourth victim, the Buffalo Woman or Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, the name offered to her by the MMIWG2S Implementation Committee and the community until her real name is found," says Ka Ni Kanichihk in a statement.

Upon further investigation, WPS found Skibicki's Facebook page which contained posts of antisemitic, misogynistic and white supremacist material. 

Ka Ni Kanichihk touches on this fact saying that Indigenous women are disproportionally affected by violence, with almost six in 10 Indigenous women experiencing assault in their lifetime.

"This violence is an emergency and it is a genocide. We need to create systemic change in order to curb the rise of racism and violence that is taking place in Winnipeg and across the country, and protect the lives of our Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people."

The Indigenous organization expresses an immediate need for the government and institutions of every level to take action against these events that they are calling genocide. This is a call out to protect Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Ka Ni Kanichihk is also offering opportunities for support for those who are struggling during this time. The organization offers its Medicine Bear Counselling, Support and Elder Services which provides families of murdered and missing women the opportunity to heal from their grief and pain within a culturally safe and supportive environment.

They also mention an opportunity for Indigenous women and gender-diverse people who have experienced gender-based violence to receive support and advocacy services through The Heart Medicine Lodge.

For more information about Ka Ni Kanichihk, visit its website.