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For immediate release
November 16, 2022

 

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is issuing this statement regarding the homicide of 23-year-old Delany Nora Desmarais of Duck Bay, MB.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee states:

“On behalf of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, I express condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the late Delany Desmarais, who was only 23 years old at her time of passing. I send my deepest sympathies to the 4 young children she leaves behind.”

Delany was visiting in the city of Winnipeg when she was discovered with injuries from a gunshot wound in the Centennial neighbourhood in the early morning of Saturday, November 12, 2022. She later succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. The Winnipeg Police are currently investigating her death as a homicide.

Our women are sacred. They should be treated with respect and dignity. The loss of another one our women is extremely concerning as this was a senseless act of violence which leaves her family with many unanswered questions. I am increasingly concerned with the rate of violence the city of Winnipeg is experiencing. The violence is becoming too common, and it must stop.

As the Grand Chief of MKO, I will continue to support First Nation women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people. I will also continue to speak out against gender-based violence that is occurring in our province.”

Heidi Spence, Director of MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit shares:

“I am deeply troubled by the brazen act of violence that resulted in the loss of another young Indigenous women. Her life mattered, her family deserves answers and justice. I encourage anyone with information on Delaney’s homicide to please contact the Homicide Unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477). Your support and assistance are essential to help investigators bring the individual(s) responsible to justice.”

The MKO Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison Unit supports families and communities who are impacted by the issue of gender-based violence, as well as supporting survivors of violence. If you need support from the MMIWG Liaison Unit, you can call toll free: 1-800-442-0488.

If you need to speak with someone for support or emergency counselling, the following services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

  • Klinic Crisis Line: 1-888-322-3019
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1-888-292-7565

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For more information: 

Jaiden Sandberg, Communications Assistant
Email: [email protected]