For immediate release
August 20, 2021
Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is responding to news that a female suffering from numerous serious injuries was found by the Norway House RCMP on August 11, 2021.
“On behalf of MKO, I am deeply disturbed by the horrific violence experienced by the victim. It is shocking to learn how many individuals are alleged to be involved in this serious assault. Brutal acts of violence were inflicted upon the victim and these acts will impact the victim for a lifetime. I am sending our support for the 34-year-old woman. We will also stand in solidarity with the victim as this case moves through the justice system and support the victim on the journey of healing from the trauma,” shared Grand Chief Garrison Settee.
Chief Larson Anderson of the Norway House Cree Nation
“We are extremely saddened by and concerned about the violence that has happened in our community,” stated Chief Larson Anderson of Norway House Cree Nation. “We are working to find solutions to support the wellness of our citizens and to help ensure this type of violence does not impact other young people. We need proper housing and programs to support the children, youth, and adults of all ages. In order to deliver programs that will help to prevent violence, we also need to see an increase in funding. We stand in solidarity with the young woman who has experienced such a terrible ordeal and we will advocate for her to receive the supports she will need in the months and years to come.”
“The trauma experienced by the victim is unimaginable; the physical scars will heal, but the emotional and mental scars can last a lifetime,” stated Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, Director of MKO’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison Unit. “The young woman who was victimized is loved and she is sacred. The actions of the people who assaulted the young woman have caused so much trauma.”
“Once again, MKO urges all levels of government to work urgently to implement the 231 Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to help increase the safety of Indigenous people across the country,” said Grand Chief Settee. “I also urge anyone with information about Cody Monias to come forward to the Norway House RCMP or Crime Stoppers.”
Anyone who has information about the Cody Monias, age 36, can contact the Norway House RCMP at 204-359-6483 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.
“I want to assure the victim’s family and loved ones that MKO will continue to do our utmost to pressure government leaders and policy makers to implement the 231 Calls for Justice for MMIWG and lobby for supports on the ground in communities where they are needed,” concluded Anderson-Pyrz.
MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit provides support to families and communities who are impacted by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, survivors of gender-based violence, and Two Spirit and gender-diverse people. The Unit provides advocacy, builds partnerships, and aims to prevent and spread awareness regarding all forms of violence towards Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit and gender-diverse people. The Unit also focuses on healing and reclaiming the spirit.
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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, Communications Officer
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]
