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For immediate release
August 29, 2022
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is issuing this statement to share condolences to the people that loved 21-year-old Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin.
Grand Chief Garrison Settee states:
“I would like to express our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Mackaylah Gerard-Roussin. Our hearts are with you as you mourn the loss of your loved one.
We need to ensure that our women are safe and free from violence. It is a basic human right to live without fear of violence, threats, and abuse. The ongoing legacy of our women being tragically taken through acts of violence is an unacceptable product of colonialism that impacts all of us.
MKO continues to advocate for the implementation the 231 Calls for Justice identified in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I ask our allies to support us in this endeavor. There is more work to be done, and we cannot accept the loss of another daughter, sister, mother, or loved one to gender-based violence.”
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]
