The 10th anniversary of Tina Fontaine’s tragic death will be marked on August 17th, 2021. Her death, which sparked national outrage and brought attention to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, continues to serve as a painful reminder of the ongoing crisis.
Tina Fontaine, a 15-year-old Indigenous girl from Sagkeeng First Nation, was reported missing on August 9th, 2014. Her body was found in Winnipeg’s Red River on August 17th, wrapped in a duvet cover and weighed down by rocks. Her death was ruled a homicide, and her killer has yet to be brought to justice.
In the years since her death, Tina’s story has become a symbol of the systemic failures and injustices faced by Indigenous communities in Canada. Her case highlighted the lack of resources and support for Indigenous youth, particularly those in the child welfare system. It also brought attention to the issue of sexual exploitation and violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Tina’s death was a wake-up call for many, including the Canadian government. In 2015, the federal government launched the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which concluded in 2019 with a final report that called for sweeping changes to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Despite these efforts, the crisis continues. According to the RCMP, there were 1,181 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls between 1980 and 2012. However, Indigenous organizations and advocates believe the number is much higher.
As the 10th anniversary of Tina’s death approaches, her family and community are planning to honor her memory with a vigil and a walk to the spot where her body was found. They hope to keep her story alive and continue to push for justice and change.
Tina’s legacy lives on through the Tina Fontaine Foundation, which was established by her great-aunt Thelma Favel. The foundation works to support Indigenous youth and advocate for systemic change to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of Tina Fontaine’s death, let us remember her as more than just a statistic. She was a young girl with hopes and dreams, whose life was cut short by senseless violence. May her memory continue to inspire us to work towards a future where all Indigenous women and girls are safe and valued.
