May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit Peoples (MMIWG2S). Indigenous women and girls in Canada, regardless of age, socio-economic status, whether living on reserve or urban, are at least three times more likely to experience violence, and at least six times more likely to be murdered than any other woman or girl in Canada. Between 1980 and 2012, Indigenous women and girls represented 16 per cent of all female homicides in Canada, while constituting only 4 per cent of the female population. The violence against Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse peoples is a national human rights crisis and it must stop.

Racist and sexist stereotypes lead perpetrators to believe that they can get away with committing acts of violence against Indigenous women and girls. The many legacies of colonialism increase the risk of experiencing violence—from impoverishment to the lasting harm from residential schools to the disempowerment of Indigenous women and girls in their own communities. To learn more please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/news/2019/06/backgrounder–national-inquiry-into-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-girls.htm

Indigenous women and girls have the right to be safe and free from violence. In response to repeated calls from Indigenous groups, activists, and non-governmental organizations, the Government of Canada established a national public inquiry, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in September 2016.  The inquiry was completed and presented to the public on June 3, 2019.  A copy of the report can be found here: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/