Today marks the 50thanniversary of the tragic death of Helen Betty Osborne. Ms. Osborne was a 19-year-old student from Norway House Cree Nation who had dreams of becoming a teacher. A survivor of Guy Hill Residential School, Ms. Osborne chose to further her education through attending high school in The Pas and was provided room and board with a local family arranged by the Department of Indian Affairs.
In the early hours of Nov. 13, 1971, Ms. Osborne was on her way home from a night out with friends. While walking home, she was abducted by four non-Indigenous men from the town and was brutally murdered. It was not until 1987, more than sixteen years later, that one of the four men was convicted. Allegations of racism, neglect and indifference on the part of the town and the authorities were made regarding the treatment of her case. The allegations suggested that because Ms. Osborne was an Indigenous woman, her murder was unimportant. The issues concerning the investigation of Helen Betty Osborne’s death, and numerous others, are documented in the Manitoba Aboriginal Justice Inquiry report.
It is imperative for all Manitobans to recognize the factors which contributed to Ms. Osborne’s tragic death are deeply rooted in the ongoing legacy of colonization. Some of these factors include systemic racism and indifference, social and economic marginalization, multigenerational and intergenerational trauma, and continued disrespect for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals.
Though Helen Betty Osborne was not the first woman to be victimized in the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), her heartbreaking death and the many significant issues during the investigation are often seen as the ground zero of the MMIWG movement in Manitoba. Although it has been fifty years since Ms. Osborne’s death, the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls continues to affect individuals, families and communities across the province and throughout Canada.
Manitoba remembers Ms. Osborne today. The 50thanniversary of her death is a sombre reminder of the important work that remains ahead to advance reconciliation and healing. We will continue to take a whole-of-government approach and work collaboratively with Indigenous and community-led organizations to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and provide supports for those in need.
On behalf of all Manitobans, we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Osborne. May this time of reflection help guide you in your healing journey.
