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“We have been talking about this for many, many years and finally there are people that are listening to our plea,” said Therese Villeneuve, chair of the National Women’s Council. “We are really trying to get this healing for us so that nothing like this continues to happen.”

Manitoba premier Greg Sellinger said the forthcoming roundtable will be the first time premiers have come together with “100% consensus” on this issue.

“There is much to do in this province since the tragic death of Tina Fontaine and many others who have gone before her and regrettably some who have gone since her tragic death. As you assemble today we want you to know we’re here in partnership with First Nations across this country and we look forward to your deliberations and the ability to work with you both on a provincial and on a national level as well.”

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The death of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine in August renewed the call for a national inquiry and squared scrutiny on the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada. Fontaine was found wrapped in plastic in Winnipeg’s Red River. She had been in the care of Child and Family Services and had been reported missing before her death. Her

Both young women came to Winnipeg from reserves north of the city in pursuit of a better education and a better life. Fontaine wanted to one day work with children. Ms. Harper wants to join the military.

She had been out with friends the night of her death but somehow got separated from the group. She was attacked on a path by the Assiniboine River shortly after midnight Saturday, Nov. 8. Police believe one of her attackers may have gone on to sexually assault another woman. Ms. Harper made her first public appearance late last month, when she met with the men who saved her life.

“Her fast recovery is a miracle from above,” Ms. Harper’s grandfather, Fred Harper, said at the time.

While announcing Fontaine’s death, Winnipeg police Sergeant John O’Donovan said far more attention needs to be paid to the plight of these missing and murdered girls. “Society would be horrified if we found a litter of kittens or pups in the river in this condition.” he said. “This is a child. Society should be horrified.”