For immediate release
October 4, 2019
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is issuing this statement to respond to news that the Winnipeg Police have made arrest in the case of the homicide of Norma Andrews. Ms. Andrews was killed on September 21, 2019, and she was the 29th homicide victim in Winnipeg in 2019. She was a member of the Manto Sipi Cree Nation in MKO Territory.
Norma Andrews (photo provided by her family)
On October 3, 2019, an arrest warrant was issued for Second Degree Murder for a suspect in this incident. Officers arrested Jesse Jordan Gamblin, age 20, yesterday. He has been charged with Second Degree Murder and detained in custody.
“I am happy to hear that an arrest has been made,” said Larry Andrews, father of Norma Andrews. “I am hopeful that justice will be served. I hope that the perpetrator of this violent crime against my daughter doesn’t just receive a slap on the wrist. Norma deserves justice. This is a very difficult time and I am asking the media to continue to respect our privacy.”
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Norma Andrews,” stated Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “I want to send my appreciation to the members of the Winnipeg Police who took action to ensure an arrest was made quickly. I pray the family can find some healing in their ongoing journey of grieving their daughter.”
“Today is the Provincial Day of Awareness and National Day of Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We need to work to honour the memory of Norma Andrews and the other people we are losing due to ongoing violence against Indigenous peoples,” said Grand Chief Settee. “As a country we must collectively support, implement, and action the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We must implement all 231 Calls for Justice to end this ongoing national tragedy. I call on the federal and provincial governments to take action. Our hearts are heavy from so many losses. We need action now. The lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people matter.”
The Winnipeg Police are continuing to ask for the public’s assistance in the investigation. If you have information, you are asked to call either 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).
MKO continues to focus on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG). We have developed a Liaison Unit for MMIWG, which has been instrumental in providing supports and connecting impacted families and survivors to additional resources in a culturally appropriate and safe manner.
