Iskwewuk E-Wichiwitochik marks 10 years of supporting, advocating for families of MMIW

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

Iskwewuk E-Wichiwitochik (IE, Cree for “Women
Walking Together”) had a sombre celebration on Saturday, November 28th,
commemorating a decade of support and activism on behalf of missing and
murdered Indigenous women and their families. Co-chair Myrna LaPlante spoke to
the media about

the recent discovery of the remains of Karina Beth Ann Wolfe,
who has been missing since July 2010 at age 20

. Karina’s mother Carol, a very
active spokesperson since the disappearance of Karina, was scheduled to be part
of the ceremonies but due to the heart-breaking developments was not present.
Part of the activities were amended to include a donation box for funds for the
Wolfe family, and a card-writing activity to express condolences and support
during this time. Donations are still welcomed for Karina’s family as they
prepare for funeral and court expenses.

After an opening pipe ceremony led by Elder Steve
Morningchild, father of Calinda Waterhen who was murdered in 2003, the day
continued with emcee Chris Sicotte. Judy Hughes spoke of the importance of
continuing advocacy, while Jorgina Sunn lifted her voice in beautiful song.
Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte shared on behalf of IE, and Kay Lerat brought
greetings and solidarity from FSIN. Helen Smith-McIntyre brought greetings from
Amnesty International, but also spoke of her settler heritage and her
commitment to work against a colonial history that has displaced and violenced
Indigenous peoples of all ages and genders.

“I wish I could say that there were no more missing
and murdered Aboriginal women…I hope the day will come when we will be able
to say that,” said Smith-McIntyre. “But the sadness of our journey is women are
still going missing, women are still being murdered. But I’d like to think we
have made progress…the conversation has broadened, whole communities are
involved in the conversation.”

After a feast, the afternoon continued with one of
IE’s initiating and founding members, Monica Goulet, sharing the mic with
Crystal LaPlante of Saskatoon Tribal Council to speak about the monument to the
missing and murdered, which will be installed in front of the new police
station.

“The monument shows a beautiful Indigenous women
dancing,” noted Goulet, talking about the intensive community and Elder-based
approach used in selecting the final monument, which shows the beauty and
strength of Indigenous women. Goulet also acknowledged the presence of Gwenda
Yuzicappi the mother of Amber Redman whose body was discovered in 2008. Amber
was a beautiful traditional dancer and culturally strong young woman.

Dr. Priscilla Settee delivered a brief afternoon
keynote on IE and the issues.

“It is incumbent on government structures and
institutes of higher learning to take research and development cues and
directions from the Indigenous and impacted communities,” noted Settee. The
afternoon concluded with spelling out the various activities of IE with
placards, and then more drumming and honour songs.

Carol Wolfe spoke to media on November 30th through
an interpreter.

“Karina was taken from our family too early in
her journey of life, our family is suffering with a heavy heart we will never
get to see her again,” Carol said. “”The last memory I have is Karina
saying, ‘I love you mom and I will be home later.’ Karina never got to come home.
This is something that should never have happened.”

On November 10th, Jerry Constant turned himself into
the police station with his story of what had happened, and the location of
Karina’s body, which was then found within a few days northwest of the city in
a marshy area near the airport boundary roads. When DNA confirmed the results,
the family was notified. Constant was arrested with charges of second degree
murder and indignity to a body. His first appearance was made Monday, November
30th by video to a packed courthouse, and the Crown has requested a mental
assessment be made. His second appearance is scheduled to take place December
8th. Visitation of Karina’s body was held Tuesday, December 1st in Saskatoon,
then the wake and interment took place at Muskeg Lake Cree Nation later in the
week.

“Carol has been a tireless advocate on this issue,
she really took the lead in action all along, and IE followed her lead as much
as possible. She never gave up hope for Karina, and she is a hero in her own
right,” noted Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte.

Related story:


Body of missing woman found, man charged in her death