Nineteen years after the 2007 murder of Jackie Crazy Bull in Calgary, her family is still fighting for accountability. During a recent memorial walk, her sisters highlighted the profound impact her death has had on her children and grandchildren.
The 2007 Calgary attack that left one fatality among five victims
In 2007, a sudden outbreak of random violence in Calgary resulted in five victims, though Jackie Crazy Bull was the only one to lose her life. As reported by the source, the incident left a permanent scar on the community and a void in the Crazy Bull family. The memorial walk, which began on 18th Ave SW and ended near 11th street on 17th Ave, traced the path of this tragedy to ensure the location of her death is not forgotten.
This specific route serves as a physical map of a crime that has remained unresolved for nearly two decades, forcing the family to revisit the exact site of the violence every year. The walk serves as both a memorial for the 43-year-old victim and a protest against the lack of legal resolution.
A 21-year-old son's search for a mother he never knew
The passage of nearly two decades has fundamentally altered the lives of Jackie’s descendants, creating a generational gap of grief. Her son, Clifford, was just an infant at the time of the murder and is now 21 years old. According to the report, Clifford has had to piece together his mother's existence through newspaper clippings and news broadcasts rather than personal memories.
This lack of connection extends to her grandchildren, who have grown into adulthood without ever meeting their grandmother. Sandra Manyfeathers, Jackie's sister, noted during the walk that the absence of justice feels like a "life sentence" for the family, as they are forced to live in a state of perpetual mourning without the possibility of closure.
The mystery of the three identified suspects who remain uncharged
A significant point of contention in this case is the lack of legal progress despite police involvement. the report states that while Calgary police have identified three suspects in connection with the 2007 murder, no one has been formally charged. This leaves several critical questions unanswered: What specific evidence is preventing the prosecution of these three individuals? Why has the judicial system failed to move from identification to indictment after 19 years? Furthermore, the family is left to wonder if the identity of the victim has influenced the pace of the investigation.
Sandra Manyfeathers explicitly suggested that the judicial system may not take the murders of Indigenous women as seriously as other cases, a sentiment that resonates with many in the community. The family continues to call for an end to the stagnation that has defined this case for nearly two decades.
A legacy of Blackfoot culture and the fight against systemic neglect
The memorial walk served as a tribute to the cultural identity of Jackie Crazy Bull, who would have been 62 years old today. Her sisters , Sandra Manyfeathers and Beverly Crazy Bull, described her as a woman who embodied her Blackfoot culture and language through her unconditional love for others. The event, supported by community members like Cat Schick ,began with a prayer and a song to honor her memory.
For the family, this is not just about a crime; it is about honoring a woman who taught them to stand against injustice. They hope that a legal resolution will finally allow her children to move toward a sense of normalcy in their lives, ensuring that Jackie's legacy is defined by her strength rather than her unsolved death.
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