The Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation calls yesterday’s not-guilty verdict in the second degree murder trial of Raymond Cormier disturbing.
Anna Betty Achneepineskum says Tina Fontaine’s tragic death shows the failure in the child welfare system.
She notes it’s a discouraging outcome and sends a message that there are no consequences for killing Indigenous youth.
Meanwhile, the verdict is being called a profound disappointment for First Nations across Canada.
Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde says the verdict is a shock and a severe setback for justice and reconciliation in Canada.
The body of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine was found in the Red River in Winnipeg in August of 2014.
Fontaine’s death drew national attention and highlighted the need for a national inquiry on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
