First Nations Voice

OCTOBER 2014 • PAGE 5 AtFCC,we'vebuiltaculturewhereyoucanbeyourself.You'rean individualandittakesstrongindividualstomakeastrongteam. So,bewhoyouareandfeelathomewhenyougotowork. We'reproudtorecognizeOctoberasWomen'sHistoryMonth. fcc.ca/diversity Becomfortablewithdiversity Feelslikeafit The informal group taking the initiative to Drag the Red are doing so without any outside help or funding. Jo Seenie, one of the group gathered by the Red River near the boat launch near the Louise Bridge, said it's all about supporting the families of missing and murdered women. There's also a small encampment set up. "We want to show compassion for issues that are happening and just to be here to volunteer," said Seenie. She said there is still a need for more volunteers, boats and other ways of supporting the effort with food, water or just being there to help out. Seenie said the group plans on working until the water freezes up. Ivan Harper, from Garden Hill First Nation, flew from his community without any public support to volunteer his experience dragging the waterways near his home community. "I always feel for these people who lose their loved ones this way," said Harper standing on the banks of the Red River. Harper did admit there is a difference between the waters he used to dragging in and the Red River. And he told "the boys what to expect" when dragging the river. He said the water moves faster here with no rocks to slow it down and the murkiness of the water means objects can only be identified when near the surface. A small boat pulls up to the boat launch and the men display an anchor that took three men to pull up from their dragging efforts earlier. Seenie mulls over the idea that a more formal organization should be set up. Seenie said, "I am hoping to see something more consistent effort like this be done on a regular basis." Bernadette Smith, known in the community for her efforts following the disappearance of her sister Claudette Osborne-Tyo, pulls up to start handing out kits to volunteers and coordinating efforts. The group meets at the Buchanan Marine Boat Launch at 4:00 pm weekdays. By Trevor Greyeyes Drag the reD neeDs your help Jo Seenie and ivan harper at the red river

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