WINNIPEG, DECEMBER 2, 2022 – Winnipeg Centre MP, Leah Gazan, NDP Critic for Women and Gender Equality, offers heartfelt support to families and communities impacted by yesterday’s announcement by the Winnipeg Police Service after three more homicides of Indigenous women are alleged to be connected to accused killer Jeremy Skibicki.
“These women were loved, their lives were precious, and they were part of our community. As we grieve for them, we must also follow the leadership of survivors, their families and advocates who have mapped solutions to prevent this violence from continuing.”
Urgent action is needed to counter the ongoing genocide of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people in Winnipeg, which was referred to as "ground zero" for this violence by the former Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister.
“Although the recent federal funding of Velma’s House was a step forward, we urgently need further investment in low-barrier, trauma-informed services and harm-reduction resources that address the root causes of violence including poverty, housing, health, and trauma. This is how we will save lives.”
If you require support as you process yesterday’s news, you can contact Ka Ni Kanichihk’s Medicine Bear Counselling Support and Elder Services at 204-594-6500 Ext. 102 or 104 (within Winnipeg) or 1-888-953-5264 (outside Winnipeg).