London

London Indigenous activists demand justice after not-guilty verdicts

Last week, Raymond Cormier was acquitted of the murder of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine of Manitoba.

A march for Tina Fontaine is planned in downtown London on Monday

Fifteen-year-old Tina Fontaine died in 2014. Her body was pulled from the Red River in Winnipeg. Colten Boushie, 22, died in 2016 after an altercation on a farm in Saskatchewan.

"Enough is enough."

It's an "unfortunate" familiar feeling for Cameron Monkman, who is organizing his second march on Monday involving another not-guilty verdict in the death of an Indigenous youth.

Last week, Raymond Cormier was acquitted of the murder of 15-year-old Tina Fontaine of Manitoba.

"There needs to be justice sought to our people. We need that clarity," he said.

The verdict came a few weeks after Saskatchewan farmer Gerald Stanley was also found not guilty of the murder of 22-year-old Colten Boushie.

Activist Lela George said both verdicts have brought spotlight on parts of the justice system, including representation on the inside.

"It has really, really shaken our nation. We're seeing multiple cases of no justice for our people and we are tired. We want a fair shot," she said.

"We need more of our own representation, not just on the outside but once we do get into the courts – where's our support on the inside?"

Monkman said a march for Tina Fontaine is planned from Victoria Park to the London courthouse for Monday at 2 p.m. when protestors are set to block traffic at Richmond and Dundas for a cultural round dance.