Protesters plan 2,100-km walk for murdered, missing inquiry
Young Winnipeg protesters plan 2,100-km walk for national inquiry into murdered, missing women
Seven young people are taking over a peaceful protest calling for a national inquiry into murdered and missing aboriginal women in Winnipeg.
Protesters set up in Memorial Park on Aug. 21, just days after 15-year-old Tina Fontaine's body was found in a bag in the Red River.
Fontaine’s death sparked renewed calls for an inquiry across Canada.
On Saturday, protesters began packing up their camp after the federal government agreed to participate in a roundtable. They called it a partial victory.
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- Winnipeg protesters camp out for murdered, missing inquiry
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- Government now open to roundtable on missing and murdered aboriginal women
But seven young people from the camp say they want more, they’re calling for a national inquiry and plan to remain at the camp out for 12 more days.
"Whether we get more people or not, we're still going to fight as best as we can," said supporter Corey Bruce.
Tyler Frederick is also among those who are staying.
“[Youth] are suffering too. They do have family that’s been murdered or is missing, so we’d like them to be heard,” he said. “These are our citizens. They're families, brothers, sisters. We have to put a stop to, not just aboriginal, but everybody. We need to solve all these missing and murdered women and children.”
On Sept. 19, the group plans to walk to Ottawa together. They hope to walk 100 kilometres per day until they reach the capital. The full journey should take about 21 days.
"Our voice will be heard ... and if it's not heard here in those 12 days, we will be heard in Ottawa," Frederick said.
With files from CBC's Chris Glover