Cross Lake RCMP continue to investigate the 2013 murder of Austin Monias, and are asking the public any type of information connected to this incident.
The Seven Sacred Teachings – love, humility, honesty, wisdom, courage, truth, respect – were important to Austin Monias of Cross Lake, Manitoba. “We got to tell you the seven teachings are true; they will help you see the life meant for you. If you follow this life, if you follow these rules, the blessings of God will surely come true,” raps Austin in a YouTube video.
Austin was passionate about sport and about youth. He was a renowned hockey player for the Cross Lake Islanders. He coached younger hockey players, square danced, and wrote and performed rap songs. On January 20, 2013, all of that came to an end. Austin died after being stabbed during a fight at a party. He was 19 years of age.
“He believed in change,” said Austin’s mother Cileen Umperville. “His passion for life, desires for the future and all the expectations were taken from his life and the life of his friends and the youth of Cross Lake. It is so hard to live without him.”
Austin had a vision. He wanted to do amazing things: “Was sent to Heaven and sent back to earth, and in 93 (the year he was born) the world witnessed the rebirth of a warrior. I’m the medicine bundle carrier, one of the many Aboriginal peacemakers,” he rapped. “You gotta understand that I do have a plan to take away the pain so we do remain free as Aboriginals on this land.”
The Cross Lake RCMP and RCMP Major Crime Unit initially arrested five people in relation to Austin’s death, but they were released without charge. Investigators continue to work to find justice for Austin and his family, and need help from the community.
“Five years ago, a young life was abruptly taken one morning in Cross Lake,” said Sgt. Paul Manaigre of the RCMP. “Austin was only 19 and had so much life ahead of him. We are dedicated to getting answers for his family. If anyone knows anything about what happened to Austin, we ask them to reach out to us.”
To contact the Cross Lake RCMP Detachment, call 204-676-2600.
