More than 75 people rallied outside the courthouse in St. Paul on April 2nd. The protest was part of a unified nation-wide rally to seek justice for murdered Aboriginal woman, Cindy Gladue.
Cindy Gladue, 36 year old mother of two, was found dead in an Edmonton hotel room in June of 2011.
Earlier this month, Ontario truck driver, Bradley Barton was found not guilty of first degree murder in relation to her death. Barton argued the two had sexual relations, and though extreme violence to Gladue’s body was presented, the defense claimed it to be consensual.
The prosecution stated that Gladue’s blood alcohol level was four times the legal limit and could not have legally consented to the sexual relationship.
The not guilty verdict sparked national outrage, and a letter-writing campaign urging the crown prosecution  to appeal the verdict.
The protesters present at The St. Paul Courthouse were peaceful and came with the wish the spread awareness, not only to Cindy Gladue’s death, but also to numerous missing and murdered Aboriginal women  across Canada. Protesters have hope this will ignite a long-awaited national inquiry into the missing and murder Aboriginal women of Canada.