Missing Indigenous woman found dead; B.C. homicide case prompts calls for justice
The death of an Indigenous woman in British Columbia prompted calls for "immediate action" outlined in the report that summarized the National Inquiry into Missing and Indigenous Women and Girls.
The body of Carmelita Abraham was found in Quesnel, B.C., earlier this month, according to a news release issued by a First Nations council.
The Tŝilhqot’in Ts’iqi Dechen Jedilhtan (Women's Council) said Monday that the 33-year-old was found dead at the Willow Inn on Jan. 14. Abraham was a member of the Takla First Nation, and had been missing since late December.
Her body was found the same day that a 51-year-old man was charged in what was initially described as a "suspected" homicide.
The accused, Joseph Simpson, and Abraham knew each other, according to the RCMP. Simpson has been charged with murder and indignity to human remains.
The Tŝilhqot’in Ts’iqi Dechen Jedilhtan says Abraham's case "reveals that not enough has been done" to implement 231 calls for justice outlined in the final report from the inquiry.
These calls are described in the report as "steps to end and redress" the systems that have "worked to maintain colonial violence for generations."
Directed at all levels of government, the list of actions includes the implementation of a national action plan with devoted funding, measures to prevent and investigate violence against Indigenous women and girls, and protocols that ensure all MMIWG cases are thoroughly investigated.
It also calls for the review and reform laws about sexual violence and intimate partner violence, and to consider violence against Indigenous individuals as an aggravating factor at sentencing.
There are dozens more recommendations, all of which can be read online.
The women's council did not specify which of 231 calls it applied to this case, but said government inaction "continues to deny justice" and cost lives.
In the statement about Abraham's death, a member of the council said there's a need for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to fight for that action.
"Carmelita had goals and dreams that are left unrealized. She was a powerful woman, a woman of strength," Joyce Cooper wrote.
"There are many like Carmelita in Williams Lake. We need to stop talking about what needs to happen and make it happen… We need change now."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A healthy lifestyle can mitigate genetic risk for early death by 62%, study suggests
Even if your genetics put you at greater risk for early death, a healthy lifestyle could help you significantly combat it, according to a new study.
When you have a moment's notice to evacuate, what do you take?
Knowing what to have at home, or take with you for an evacuation, can be useful and even life-saving.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy license bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
No, a best-selling American writing duo didn't pen a Galen Weston romance novel
You would be forgiven for thinking Christina Lauren's latest romance novel stars a hunky reimagining of Loblaw chairman Galen G. Weston.
Lice removal companies in the GTA say they're seeing a surge in infestations this year
After nearly 15 years in business, Shawnda Walker said the past 12 months has been the busiest year yet for her North York head lice removal company.
Ellen DeGeneres addresses the 'hurtful' end of her talk show in new stand-up set
Ellen DeGeneres is reflecting on how her talk show came to an end in her newest Netflix special, 'Ellen's Last Stand ... Up Tour.'
Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin suspended at least six months
Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin was suspended for at least six months without pay and placed in Stage 3 of the league's player assistance program.
Sunchips, Munchies recalled by Frito Lay Canada for possible salmonella contamination
Frito Lay Canada is recalling two of its most popular snacks due to a possible risk of salmonella contamination.