Memorial To Slain Teen - Betty Osborne, - Brief Article

WINNIPEG, MB--Nearly 30 years ago Helen Betty Osborne was abducted, beaten, sexually assaulted and stabbed over 50 times with screwdriver. It took over 15 years before anyone was charged with her murder. Her death and the shooting of Aboriginal, leader J.J. Harper both played a large role in bringing about the Aboriginal Justice inquiry in 1988, a public inquiry into the way the justice system treats Aboriginal people

The Province of Manitoba made a public apology to the Osborne family for what was concluded to be a case of judicial negligence due to racism. To make further amends the province passed a bill that incorporated a. $50,000 scholarship fund in Osborne's name.

The Helen Betty Osborne Memorial Foundation will provide Aboriginal students with bursaries as early as this fall. "The Foundation is part of a legacy of Helen Betty Osborne, who dreamed of becoming a teacher and helping her community," said Eric Robinson, Northern Affairs Minister. "The board will ensure that her memory lives on by assisting others to realize their dreams of pursuing a post-secondary education."

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