Rinelle Harper’s mom, Julie Harper, said her daughter is a tough girl and that may have helped her survive a vicious attack Friday night.
Harper said her oldest daughter wants to join the military and that Rinelle wants to do the same.
“Rinelle wants to join this year, too. That’s her goal. And I hope she goes for it,” said Julie Harper.
Rinelle Harper, 16, continues her recovery in hospital. She was moved from the intensive care unit in Children’s Hospital on Wednesday. Her mom said Rinelle is already talking about going back to school.
“She’s already eager to go back to Southeast Collegiate already and she wants to go back this week,” said Julie Harper.
Shaken by the brutal attack of his daughter, Rinelle’s father, Ceasar Harper, thanked the community for their thoughts and prayers
“Thank you so much,” said a clearly emotional Ceasar Harper.
Family members and aboriginal leaders also thanked police for their quick actions in arresting two suspects for the assault.
“We are thankful that with your prayers and your support, Rinelle is now safe and getting stronger every day,” said the girl’s grandfather, Fred Harper.
The family said Winnipeggers should expect to hear from Rinelle in the coming days. Fred Harper said his granddaughter wants to be a role model to other girls.
He said the family still feels comfortable having her name and photo in the public.
Fred Harper said attaching a name and face to a crime helped get tips from the public, which helped police make arrests.
Harper said he hopes this story helps inspire change to provide greater protection for aboriginal girls and women.
A U of W professor, Leah Gazan, has been collecting funds on behalf of the Harper family. To donate, email Gazan at: l.gazan@uwinnipeg.ca
