If you would like to donate to the family of Tessa Perry, please visit their GoFundMe page.

 

To view this media release in a PDF format, please click here. 

 

For immediate release
May 31, 2022

 

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is issuing this statement regarding the homicide of 31-year-old Tessa Perry of Winnipeg. Ms. Perry was the victim of a homicide in Winnipeg on May 28, 2022.

A vigil for Tessa takes place at 7 pm tonight, May 31, 2022, at 100 Marlow Court in Winnipeg; the address where she was found injured.

Grand Chief Garrison Settee states:

“On behalf of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak, I send condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the late Tessa Perry. This young woman was a mother to four young children and I’m sending them so much love on behalf of all MKO Nations. I express my sympathy on this loss to the family, friends, and community of Tessa Perry.

It is clear Tessa had many friends who loved her. She had a big smile and was loved by all who knew her.

With family roots in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, Manitoba, Tessa is member to a First Nation in Treaty 6 territory in Alberta. She grew up in Thompson for most of her life and has many family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Tessa’s brother Lyle Perry has shared information with MKO about Tessa. I thank him for honouring his sister’s memory. He is grateful for the outpouring of support his family is receiving from community organizations.

Mr. Perry shared that Tessa had recently moved to Winnipeg for a fresh start. He wants people to know her story and to share awareness about domestic violence.

So many people are emotional about the ongoing violence that is taking the lives of young Indigenous women. The homicide of a third young Indigenous woman in a span of three weeks is extremely concerning. These women were sacred and loved. Women are the life givers of our communities.

We are seeing an increase in deadly violence impacting First Nations women in the City of Winnipeg. As the MKO Grand Chief, I thank all those who are taking steps to create societal change to speak out against and end gender-based violence. It is clear we have much work to do in this area.”

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

“Tessa’s story hits close to home as someone who has been impacted by gender-based violence. I want to encourage everyone to talk about domestic violence to build awareness. Learn more about what gender-based looks like and the behaviours associated with it. Increasing knowledge in this area can be potentially life saving for a loved one or friend. Everyone has a duty to prevent and take action to end gender-based violence.

Our MKO Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison Unit supports families and communities who are impacted by the issue of MMIWG in addition to supporting survivors of violence. Anyone who needs to access support from our Unit can call toll free at 1-800-442-0488 or at 204-677-1648.”

A 29-year-old male of Winnipeg has been charged with second degree murder and failure to comply with probation order. He has been detained in custody.

The Homicide Unit in Winnipeg continues this investigation. Anyone with information that may help investigators is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, MKO Communications
Cell: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]