**Title**: Remembering Tina Fontaine: Family and Community Honour Her Legacy in Emotional Gathering
Tina Fontaine’s memory was celebrated by her family and community members in a heartfelt gathering on Saturday night, marking a week until the 10-year anniversary of her tragic discovery in Winnipeg’s Red River. Emotions ran high as Elroy Fontaine, Tina’s brother, spoke fondly of his sister at the Alexander Docks, where her body was found in 2014.
Elroy described Tina as a “sweet, sweet girl” with a big heart who taught him valuable lessons about love, resilience, and compassion. Recalling cherished moments of bus rides to Point Douglas for Slurpees and playful visits to the park, Elroy emphasized Tina’s ability to shield him from life’s challenges. Red ribbons adorned the Alexander Docks, a symbolic red dress mural was touched up, and a cedar tree was planted, creating a poignant atmosphere of remembrance.
The community came together to honor Tina’s memory through drumming, candlelight, and shared stories, with Elroy expressing profound gratitude for the support shown over the years. Despite the absence of justice for Tina, the gathering served as a testament to her lasting impact on those who loved her and the ongoing fight for accountability.
Tina’s untimely death shed light on systemic issues facing Indigenous women and girls, sparking national uproar and leading to the launch of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. While progress has been slow in implementing the inquiry’s recommendations, advocates like Kattie-Lee Fontaine remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice.
Kattie-Lee reflected on the bittersweet memories of Tina and the enduring legacy she left behind. As Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew quietly paid his respects at the gathering, Kattie-Lee acknowledged the significance of continued community support in uplifting Tina’s family.
As the evening drew to a close, Elroy expressed his hope that Tina is watching from above, witnessing the love and dedication that keep her memory alive. Despite the passage of time, Tina Fontaine remains a beacon of resilience, inspiring others to never forget her name or the impact she made in her brief yet meaningful life.
Tina Fontaine’s memory was celebrated by her family and community members in a heartfelt gathering on Saturday night, marking a week until the 10-year anniversary of her tragic discovery in Winnipeg’s Red River. Emotions ran high as Elroy Fontaine, Tina’s brother, spoke fondly of his sister at the Alexander Docks, where her body was found in 2014.
Elroy described Tina as a “sweet, sweet girl” with a big heart who taught him valuable lessons about love, resilience, and compassion. Recalling cherished moments of bus rides to Point Douglas for Slurpees and playful visits to the park, Elroy emphasized Tina’s ability to shield him from life’s challenges. Red ribbons adorned the Alexander Docks, a symbolic red dress mural was touched up, and a cedar tree was planted, creating a poignant atmosphere of remembrance.
The community came together to honor Tina’s memory through drumming, candlelight, and shared stories, with Elroy expressing profound gratitude for the support shown over the years. Despite the absence of justice for Tina, the gathering served as a testament to her lasting impact on those who loved her and the ongoing fight for accountability.
Tina’s untimely death shed light on systemic issues facing Indigenous women and girls, sparking national uproar and leading to the launch of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. While progress has been slow in implementing the inquiry’s recommendations, advocates like Kattie-Lee Fontaine remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice.
Kattie-Lee reflected on the bittersweet memories of Tina and the enduring legacy she left behind. As Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew quietly paid his respects at the gathering, Kattie-Lee acknowledged the significance of continued community support in uplifting Tina’s family.
As the evening drew to a close, Elroy expressed his hope that Tina is watching from above, witnessing the love and dedication that keep her memory alive. Despite the passage of time, Tina Fontaine remains a beacon of resilience, inspiring others to never forget her name or the impact she made in her brief yet meaningful life.
