Boundary Waters Blog

Boundary Waters Rape

     As Boundary Waters Canoe Outfitters it isn't in our best interest to share news of bad things that happen in the Boundary Waters.  We like to think the BWCA is a relatively safe place and for the most part it is.  As members of our volunteer fire department we're EMT's and we hear the calls go out about broken bones or medical emergencies.  We've heard of a few drownings and one incident over near Ely, Minnesota that involved people harrassing other people.  Wherever there are people there can be crime but you don't expect it in the Boundary Waters.

    Over the years we've been at Voyageur there have only been 4 criminal complaints in the BWCA including this current one.  When I read about Julia's tragic experience my world was shattered.  My heaven on earth, the BWCA, was hell on earth for Julia.  I can't help but think of the groups of women we've sent into the woods, the times my crew has camped solo and the trips my daughter will take into the Boundary Waters.

     Julia's Boundary Water's experience is the most horrific one I have ever heard. It is one you must also hear about not only because of the incident but also because of how this incident has been handled. This will disturb you I'm sure.  But Julia's story needs to be heard.

 


vco - clock 09:43:37 - Monday, 21.05.12 - Voyageur News - 2303x - pencil permalink
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Comments:

  1. [1] from: Sam

    I hope you continue to send women, just like men, into the BWCAW because we don't want fear keeping women from experiencing self-reliance. You can be raped anywhere at anytime,and we can't always be held down by fear.

    reply to this comment Wednesday, 23.05.12, 20:27:55
  2. [2] from: patmcc

    I just want to say that you are my hero for blogging about this horrible incident, as I know that negative news can effect your business. It tells me that you are more concerned about your customer's safety than your bottom line, and that speaks volumes to me. I am incredibly appalled that the rape case has been dismissed and think that it sends a frightening message to women who trip in the BWCA.

    I have to admit that as a woman who frequently trips in the BWCA, my knee jerk reaction is that I may avoid the Grand Marais side of the BWCA ... since the men implicated in this incident trip there and the higher authorities in the Grand Marais district seem to have little respect or regard for the safety of women in their area. The exception being the extremely diligent deputy that investigated the case. To me, the incident that occurred in Ely, and how it was dealt with, sends the message that they are more concerned about the safety of their tourists than the authorities in Grand Marais.

    reply to this comment Thursday, 31.05.12, 11:15:27
  3. [3] from: Grace

    I was reading this story and I am just appalled. This happened in America - MN no less, but the lack of Justice is something you would expect in another country.

    Julia - here is my advice, if you haven't already done it:

    You can file a complaint with the POST (MN Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training). Go to the MN Dept of Public Safety website. Then click on the top under Divisions and find the Board of Peace Officer standards and Training. When you get to their website - click on forms and there is a place you can file a complaint form against an officer(s). I am not sure what will come of it, but this is how you can at least file a report for an allegation of misconduct. The way the investigation was handled or the lack of follow up by the judicial system is shameful.

    Good luck with your case and don't give up.

    reply to this comment Wednesday, 13.06.12, 07:34:08

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