A vigil in memory of three slain Winnipeg women was held Tuesday. People gathered at Young Street and Broadway before marching to the Manitoba legislative building.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) said the arrest of a suspect in connection with the deaths of Tanya Nepinak, 31, Lorna Blacksmith, 18, and Carolyn Sinclair, 25, brings attention to the hundreds of other First Nation women who have been killed or are still missing.

Grand Chief Derek Nepinak said Monday more needs to be done to stop the violence against aboriginal women.

He said the AMC is raising money to help with searches, emotional support for families when suspects are brought to trial, and any ongoing assistance. 

In the crowd at the vigil Tuesday night were at least 30 people bused in from Cross Lake First Nation. Lorna Blacksmith lived in the community for the first 16 years of her life.

Chief Garrison Settee said her murder is having a huge impact on everyone.

“She was somebody. She should not be labeled as someone who was involved in the sex trade,” said Settee. "She was a beautiful woman and we are not going to allow anyone to take that dignity away from her."

Shawn Lamb, 52, faces three charges of second-degree murder for the deaths of Nepinak, Blacksmith and Sinclair.

- with a report from CTV's Jillian Taylor