First Nations leaders call for action in wake of brutal assault

A brutal and disturbing assault on a First Nations woman in Winnipeg last week is prompting calls from First Nations leaders for immediate action.

A brutal and disturbing assault on a First Nations woman in Winnipeg last week is prompting calls from First Nations leaders for immediate action.

Police said on Wednesday a woman was restrained starting in the afternoon of Dec. 9, physically assaulted until she lost consciousness and then abandoned in a dumpster on Dec. 10.

Someone found her in the dumpster while she was screaming for help and she was taken to hospital.

First Nations leaders in the province say something needs to change.

"With the last couple of incidents, when it came to our women, it just seemed that they were so disposable, that there's nothing that can really be done," said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. "That bothers me as the grand chief, so we need to change the narrative of how our women are being treated."

Police said the incident involved five people – two have been arrested and investigators are still searching for three others.

"We know that these circumstances and these situations are happening far too often and that are very troubling to the community," said Supt. Bonnie Emerson with Winnipeg Police Service on Wednesday.