By Nigel Maxwell

James Smith Cree Nation chief mourns death of niece

Jan 21, 2015 | 3:59 PM

Chief of James Smith Cree Nation, Justin Burns, said his niece was kind, compassionate and soft spoken.

The body of 28-year-old Monica Burns was found Saturday on a snowmobile trail, northwest of Prince Albert.  RCMP said she was murdered.

Monica, was living in Prince Albert, but grew up on the James Smith Cree Nation. Justin said he would often give her a ride back to the city, giving them a chance to talk and catch up.

“More or less about basic life and how everything was going in her life, and how everything was going in my life. It was just a regular conversation that you have with your family or friends,” he said.

According to Justin, Monica never mentioned any problems she might be having in her life.

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Following her death, he said, it’s not just his community that’s been impacted, but many other Saskatchewan First Nations.

“This hits home to a lot of people…we want a national inquiry on this…the Harper government is turning a blind eye when it comes to aboriginal murdered and missing women,” he said.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has rejected calls for a national inquiry. He has said he prefers police investigate the underlying crimes. He also expressed his satisfaction that the matter has been studied sufficiently.

Jan. 29 the band is organizing a special march to honour the memory of Monica. The march will start at Prince Albert City Hall around noon and finish at the office for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada.

The funeral for Monica will be held Friday at Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

The RCMP investigation continues with no arrests.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell