Relatives and friends of the Contois family attended the funeral wake in memory of the 24-year-old girl on Wednesday.
The day before, Winnipeg police confirmed that the human remains found in the Brady Road landfill are indeed those of Rebecca Contois.
An emotional funeral wake
The funeral wake was punctuated by purification sessions, in particular. It was an emotional time for her grieving mother, who was able to count on the support of the Aboriginal community.
While drummers played to the rhythm of traditional songs, roses and candles were distributed to those present. They then placed them under the photos of Rebecca Contois, plastered on murals.
Moments of contemplation, prayers and testimonies followed.
” My heart is broken. I don’t know what to do, I miss her terribly. “
Exposing crimes committed against Indigenous women
Darryl Contois, who is not directly related to the family, supported Ms. Contois during her speech. This vigil is all we have left to do, to show him that Rebecca is loved.he said.
Mourners denounce the frequency of murders and disappearances of Indigenous women.
” This is a reminder. Every day, those we love can leave us. “
Ojibwa grandmother, Geraldine Shingoose, recalled at the vigil that no less than five Aboriginal women have gone missing in the past month and a half.
” It is not acceptable to hurt and harm our women. It’s been going on too long. “
Many who have come together to support the family know what it is like, as they have also lost daughters, sisters and friends.Ms. Shingoose said.
With information from Andrew Wildes
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
