Megan Louis is speaking for her cousin and others, though Lord knows she wishes she didnB次元官网网址檛 have to.
Louis, a member of the Cheslatta Carrier Nation near Burns Lake, who lives in Vernon, led about a dozen First Nations women and men protesters in singing songs and banging drums on the Vernon Courthouse steps Thursday morning to remember missing and murdered indigenous women. The list includes her cousin, Danita Bigeagle of Regina, who hasnB次元官网网址檛 been seen in 10 years.
BigeagleB次元官网网址檚 mother, Diane, has been an outspoken advocate for missing and murdered indigenous women.
B次元官网网址淎nything to do with missing and murdered indigenous and non-indigenous women is very close to me,B次元官网网址� said Louis. B次元官网网址淎ny violent acts against womenB次元官网网址hatB次元官网网址檚 unacceptable.B次元官网网址�
The group gathered on the same day a man was appearing in Provincial Court in Vernon, via video, facing seven charges in connection with an incident Aug. 27 at a property on Salmon River Road near Falkland, where a woman reported being threatened by a man with a firearm.
A woman had attended a pre-arranged meeting with a man in the area of Salmon River Road. The meeting had been set up via an online website utilized by escorts and sex workers.
Curtis Wayne Sagmoen, born in 1980, has been charged with disguising his face with intent to commit an offence; intentionally discharging a firearm while reckless; uttering threats; careless use or storage of a firearm; pointing a firearm; possessing weapon for dangerous purpose; and possession of a controlled narcotic.
Sagmoen was remanded in custody pending his next court appearance on Nov. 23. No additional charges were added. His court matter lasted less than five minutes.
A publication ban prohibiting releasing the name of the victim was put in place.
The court appearance came as RCMP remain at a Salmon River Road property owned by SagmoenB次元官网网址檚 father where human remains have been discovered.
Police have not indicated how long they plan to be at the property searching.
Court records have been sealed for the property search.
Outside court, Louis read statements from Splatsin First Nation Chief Wayne Christian, and Judy Wilson, a Neskonlith band member in the Shuswap and a member of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs executive.
B次元官网网址淰iolence against women is unacceptable,B次元官网网址� said Christian, adding he was opposed to any bail release for Sagmoen.
Said Wilson: B次元官网网址淲e have gathered together several times over the week to support the women and girls who have been reported missing in our area and to let their families know we will support them through these difficult times. The RCMP have a role and our message is justice is needed for all women and girls, and that we call upon them to ensure communications with the families involved and support to go through the processes.
B次元官网网址淎ssault and violence against our women and girls must be taken serious at all levels and be treated that way in any sentencing. Too many times itB次元官网网址檚 a slap on the wrist with no justice. This needs to change.B次元官网网址�
Asked about the RCMP search at the Salmon River Road property, Louis said it was B次元官网网址渟ickening that itB次元官网网址檚 happening so close to home.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淚 hope whoeverB次元官网网址檚 remains were found at the farm gets closure,B次元官网网址� she said.
