ONWA Stands in Solidarity with the Family and Loved Ones of Ashlee Shingoose (Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe)

ONWA Stands in Solidarity with the Family and Loved Ones of Ashlee Shingoose (Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe)

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) offers our deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and community of Ashlee Shingoose, also known as Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe or “Buffalo Woman”.

Ashlee Christine Shingoose has finally had her name and identity restored after police confirmed on March 27 that she was the sole unidentified victim of Winnipeg serial killer Jeremy Skibicki. The name Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, or Buffalo Woman, had been gifted to her by members of the Indigenous community.

ONWA stands in solidarity with Ashlee’s family members in calling for the search of the Brady Road landfill in Winnipeg to recover her remains so that she can finally return home.

We recognize and honour the tireless efforts of all survivors, families and loved ones who refuse to let our missing and stolen sisters be forgotten. As we honor the life of Ashlee Shingoose, ONWA will continue to hold all levels of government accountable for protecting and upholding Indigenous women’s rights – including our fundamental right to life.

If you or a loved one is experiencing or is impacted by violence, support is available. Talk4Healing offers 24/7 help, support, and resources for Indigenous women by Indigenous women. To talk to someone, call or text the toll-free service at 1-855-554-HEAL (4324) or visit http://talk4healing.com

The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides immediate mental health counseling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people across Canada. This toll-free service is also accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To talk with someone, please call 1-855-242-3310.

To learn more about how you can help end violence against the women in your life explore:

• ONWA’s Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG) learning and resource page: https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-mmiwg

• The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence – Women and Gender Equality Canada report: https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/gender-based-violence/intergovernmental-collaboration/national-action-plan-end-gender-based-violence.html

• The Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children resources and programming: https://www.learningtoendabuse.ca

For more information and media inquiries, contact:

Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca

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NT5