Open Letter Regarding Violence Against Indigenous Women
Truth and Reconciliation Community – Bobcaygeon stands with the family of Cileana Taylor and Curve Lake First Nation to demand justice from the legal system in the case against Jordan Morin.
It is with the deepest sorrow and grief that we mourn the recent and tragic loss of Cileana Taylor, a member of Curve Lake First Nation. Cileana was viciously assaulted last September and suffered severe brain injuries. After many months the decision to withdraw life support has devastated the community who has now lost a beloved sister, granddaughter, daughter, auntie and friend.
Meanwhile, Jordan Morin walks free today. Charged only with aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm, this is totally unacceptable. Having violated his bail conditions at least once with a recent alleged assault on another young woman, the community and in particular, Indigenous women do not feel safe. When Cileana was attacked, this man was out on bail for a previous allegation of aggravated assault.
Violence against Indigenous women and girls is driven by systemic racism and misogyny. Homicide rates are nearly six times higher for Indigenous women, while the overall rate of violent victimization is approximately three times greater. In its 2019 report, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls made 231 Calls to Justice to be implemented at all levels of government and civil society. The Inquiry documented Canada’s record of genocide against Indigenous peoples and the record of violence, discrimination and abuse of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) peoples in particular. To date, governments, whether federal, provincial or local, have barely touched the 231 calls for justice.
Quite clearly, there is much work to be done in educating and improving our justice system. To this end, we, the members of TRC-Bobcaygeon, call on the Crown Attorney to change the current charges and prosecute Jordan Morin for homicide.
Community outrage and frustration at the justice system is reflected in the recent article by the Nogojiwanaong Friendship Centre in Peterborough (Lori Flynn, Executive Director of Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre, Toronto Star, March 25, 2021) and also in a statement by Emily Whetung, Chief of Curve Lake First Nation Council (March 25, 2021).
TRC – Bobcaygeon joins these organizations in our call for justice for Cileana Taylor. We demand respect for the life of this young, kind and vibrant person who should not have been killed, and respect for those in her family, friends and community who are calling for justice. We will mourn her life and act to make change in the justice system. The charges against her alleged killer must be upgraded to homicide.