“Our hearts are hurting for the family of Linda Mary Beardy”
-Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2023
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is issuing this statement to express sadness, condolences, and solidarity with the family and loved ones of the late Linda Mary Beardy.
“Today we heard the devastating news that our relative, Linda Mary Beardy, was located in the Brady Landfill,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “First Nations citizens continue to live with the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender- diverse people. I send my condolences to all those who loved Linda Mary Beardy. I am especially thinking of her children today and extend my prayers to them as they mourn the loss of their mother.”
Ms. Beardy was 33 years old, a mother, and a member of the Lake St. Martin First Nation. She was living in Winnipeg at the time of her death.
A community gathering space is being set up and a sacred fire will be lit at 445 King Street in Winnipeg from 4 to 8 PM tonight, April 4.
Members of SCO’s Mobile Crisis Response Team, Survivors’ Healing Program, and Traditional Healers Program will be in attendance for anyone needing support.
SCO will also continue to stand with the families of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and Buffalo Woman and every family impacted by this ongoing national travesty, as we all strive for justice for their loved ones.
“In December, we asked that the Brady Landfill be classified as an active crime scene,” shared Grand Chief Daniels. “Only a few months later and we are hearing of one of our sacred women being located in this space. This is devastating news. It is clear that so much more needs to be done to protect our women. I continue to call on all levels of government to work to implement the 231 Calls for Justice that resulted from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We must work towards creating a safer society for our women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people.”
For anyone who requires immediate emotional support, please call the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. This service is available in English, Anishnaabemowin, and Cree.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 83,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca