Rinelle tells chiefs to call for probe into missing, slain females

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The shy teen who was beaten and left for dead last month earned a standing ovation from the country’s chiefs Tuesday and reignited the call for a national inquiry into violence against indigenous women.

Flanked by her parents and older sister, Rinelle Harper used a short speech at the Assembly of First Nations national gathering to thank the public for prayers and encouragement.

“I am Rinelle Harper, and I am from the Garden Hill First Nation,” the 16-year-old said tentatively. “I am here to talk about an end to violence against young (aboriginal) women.”

“I ask that everyone here remembers a few simple words — love, kindness, respect and forgiveness,” Rinelle told the crowd. “As a survivor, I respectfully challenge you all to call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women.”

Rinelle, who has only spoken publicly a few times since the Nov. 8 attack, was visibly nervous as she addressed the crowd of about 400.

“I understand that conversations have been happening all across the country about ending violence against indigenous women and girls. I wish to continue on with my life,” she said, reading carefully from a prepared speech. “I am thankful that I will be able to go back to school, see my friends and be with my family.”

The teen thanked everyone for the support she has received since she was attacked. Rinelle was celebrating the end of her midterm exams in Winnipeg last month when she became separated from her friends.

She met two young men and the trio walked down to the Assiniboine River. There, police say, she was brutally attacked and ended up in the Assiniboine River. When she crawled out of the frigid water upstream, police said she was attacked again and left for dead.

Two males, 20-year-old Justin Hudson and a 17-year-old, are charged with attempted murder. They were arrested soon after Rinelle’s family agreed to release her name publicly. They are also accused of aggravated sexual assault on a 23-year-old woman later that day.

Rinelle has been called a hero by some for escaping the fate of hundreds of aboriginal women who have been slain or gone missing. During the ceremony, she was presented with an eagle feather representing continued strength and courage.

‘I ask that everyone here remembers a few simple words — love, kindness, respect and forgiveness’

— assault victim Rinelle Harper

The cases of Rinelle and Tina Fontaine, a teen who was slain and whose body was found in the Red River in August, have refocused calls for a national inquiry, favoured by many First Nations leaders, premiers and women’s advocates but repeatedly rejected by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

“We must learn from her story and say loudly ‘Not one more,’ ” said Alberta regional chief Cameron Alexis.

Alexis praised Rinelle Harper’s grace and fortitude, and said indigenous issues, particularly violence against women, are the focus of public attention like never before.

The Conservative government has repeatedly rejected calls for an inquiry, while the NDP and Liberals have promised to call one if either forms government after the next election.

An RCMP report earlier this year found 1,181 aboriginal women have disappeared or have been slain since 1980. Although aboriginal women make up 4.3 per cent of the Canadian population, they account for 16 per cent of female homicides.

Grand Chief David Harper, who represents Manitoba northern First Nations and is related to Rinelle, said the teen is coming to grips with what she now represents to so many. At first, Harper said, the teen was reluctant to speak, but “now she is starting to understand why she has to speak out.”

Elders have told Rinelle she has been given “a gift,” he said.

“A gift for those who cannot speak for themselves, those who have passed on,” Harper said. “You’re the voice for them.

 

— staff / The Canadian Press

maryagnes.welch@freepress.mb.ca