Winnipeg, Manitoba – The recent death of Raymond Cormier, the prime suspect in the murder of Tina Fontaine, has left Fontaine’s family grappling with unanswered questions. Fontaine, a 15-year-old Indigenous girl, tragically became a symbol of Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls crisis when her body was discovered in Winnipeg’s Red River in 2014. Despite Cormier’s death, Fontaine’s aunt Thelma Favel remains unsatisfied, as she feels that the closure she seeks has been elusive.
Fontaine’s disappearance and subsequent death sparked a nationwide conversation about the violence and discrimination faced by Indigenous women. The circumstances surrounding Fontaine’s murder remain unresolved, as Cormier, a known criminal with a history of drug-related offenses, was acquitted of the charges in 2018. The controversial Mr. Big method was used by police to extract a confession from Cormier, but the case ultimately fell short of securing a conviction.
Despite the lack of closure, Favel believes that Cormier was indeed responsible for her niece’s death. She recalls his demeanor in the courtroom as smug and unsettling, leaving her with a mix of emotions upon hearing of his passing. Favel expressed relief that Cormier can no longer harm others but laments the fact that the motive behind his heinous actions may never be fully understood.
The news of Cormier’s death was delivered to Favel by detectives from the Winnipeg Police Service, who confirmed that he passed away in Kenora, Ontario. However, details surrounding his death remain undisclosed. The lack of transparency from authorities further complicates Favel’s quest for answers, as she grapples with the loss of both Fontaine and the closure she had hoped to find.
Favel’s journey to her niece’s grave on the Sagkeeng First Nation reflects the ongoing pain and heartache that continues to haunt her. The memory of Fontaine, a once vibrant and caring individual, now serves as a testament to the systemic issues facing Indigenous communities in Canada. Fontaine’s tragic fate has spurred initiatives such as Drag the Red and the Bear Clan Patrol, highlighting the urgent need for action to address the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
The legacy of Tina Fontaine endures as a reminder of the injustices faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, evoking a call to action for accountability and justice. Despite the unresolved questions surrounding her tragic death, Fontaine’s impact on the national conversation about Indigenous rights and safety remains profound. As Favel continues to seek closure and answers, the memory of Fontaine lives on as a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable future for Indigenous peoples.