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(Cumberland College)
Red Dress Day

Missing & Murdered Indigenous Woman remembered at Cumberland College on Red Dress Day

May 5, 2022 | 5:00 PM

It’s been 14 years since Gwenda Yuzicappi received the worst news of her life: her daughter’s remains had been found.

She spoke to around 100 students and staff at Cumberland College on Thursday as part of Red Dress Day which aims to increase awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada.

Yuzicappi’s daughter Amber Redman went missing back in 2005 with her remains being found nearly three years later.

Holding back tears, she talked about the moment she found out.

“My hopes for my daughter coming home alive were shattered.”

Nearly eight months later, Albert Bellegarde received a 25-year sentence after pleading to second-degree murder.

Despite justice being served, Yuzicappi continues to struggle with the loss of her daughter.

“When I see another mother with her daughter… it hurts, it hurts me so much.”

Redman’s story isn’t unique, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Hundreds of Indigenous women have gone missing over the years, many of which also lost their life.

Before speaking to Cumberland College, Yuzicappi spoke at the Saskatchewan Legislature as the province also recognized Red Dress Day.

While sharing a bit of her daughter’s story, she also spoke about the continued problem Indigenous women continue to face.

“We’re targets. If you’re Indigenous, if you’re a woman, you’re a target.”

Meanwhile, a walk was also held in P.A. for Red Dress Day with Russ Mirasty, Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor, in attendance.

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow