CMP Say Found Remains Are Those Of Missing Woman

CMP Say Found Remains Are Those Of Missing Woman

Wednesday, February 01, 2006 at 15:25

 

 

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations and the Saskatchewan First Nations Women’s Commission are expressing their condolences to the family of Melanie Dawn Geddes.

 

The RCMP announced this morning that the human remains found near Southey on December are those of the 24-year-old Aboriginal woman.

 

They also indicated they are now treating the case as a homicide. The RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit is assisting in the investigation.

 

Geddes was last seen in Regina on August 13th and was reported missing by family members the following day.

 

FSIN Chief Alphonse Bird says the federation will continue to support and work with the provincial government and policing services to ensure justice is served.

 

Bird adds that violence towards First Nations women will not be tolerated, and he wants assurances the justice system will enforce that message.

 

Women’s commission chair Mary-Anne Daywalker-Pelletier says the victimization of Aboriginal women is plaguing both urban and on-reserve communities.

 

She says her group expects the police to continue to fully investigate all circumstances that lead up to and include the disappearance of Aboriginal women.

 

Daywalker-Pelletier notes that Aboriginal women continue to use caution and safety in their everyday activities.