POTENTIAL TRIGGER WARNING: the following content discusses domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and gender-based violence that may be difficult for some readers. If in distress, please contact Talk4Healing, a culturally-grounded, confidential helpline for Indigenous women across Ontario, at toll-free 1-855-554-4325.

ANISHINABEK NATION HEAD OFFICE (March 23, 2021) – On behalf of the Anishinabek Nation, Grand Council Chief Glen Hare and Southeast Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief James Marsden send their sincere condolences to the family of Cileana Taylor of Curve Lake First Nation.

“Cileana Taylor was 22 years old when she sustained a severe life-threatening brain injury on September 3, 2020, as a result of domestic violence and was subsequently placed on life support. Late last month on February 26, 2021, the difficult decision was made to withdraw life support and she began her journey into the Spirit World,” said Grand Council Chief Glen Hare. “Another Kwe Warrior has left us too early. The family of Cileana Taylor and her community of Curve Lake First Nation deeply mourn her loss.”

Both Grand Council Chief Hare and Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Marsden support Curve Lake First Nation and join the call for justice for Cileana Taylor. While all women and girls across this country are at risk of domestic violence, First Nation women and girls are at a disproportionately higher risk. The Anishinabek Nation leadership implores that the necessary changes to the Canadian criminal justice system are made, including reform sentencing, in order to address how bail and sentencing affect the equality in violent crimes against Indigenous women.

In connection to the attack on Cileana Taylor, the accused, Jordan Morin, 23, was charged with aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm. “We support Cileana’s family and community in their call to upgrade the charges against Jordan Morin from aggravated assault to homicide for the brutal death of Cileana,” stated Grand Council Chief Hare.

Anishinabek Nation leadership is gravely concerned with Morin being allowed to walk free after his bail hearing and are seeking justice for Cileana Taylor.

“If allowed out on bail, this man is free to inflict further harm upon other women,” added Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Marsden. “There are reports in the Peterborough Examiner that state Morin was accused of a separate domestic assault while on bail for the assault of Cileana, where he was later released on bail. This is just wrong and dangerous—this system cannot keep failing Indigenous women and girls.”
Grand Council Chief Hare and Regional Deputy Grand Council Chief Marsden are calling on the Canadian justice system to ensure justice prevails in this case for the loss of a life the Taylor family and her home community have had to endure. They demand equality and fairness in the Canadian justice system for cases involving Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Relevant Links:

• Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Victimization of Indigenous Women and Girls
• Curve Lake saddened by the passing of Cileana Taylor