National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2-Spirit people

Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2-spirit people (MMIW) is not just a societal issue. It also has significant implications for healthcare. Healthcare providers need to acknowledge the MMIW crisis. By implementing trauma-informed practices as well as culturally safe and competent care, the healthcare system can be sensitive to the varying forms of violence that have ongoing traumatic impacts. l ensure that Indigenous women can access the healthcare system that addresses the unique needs of Indigenous peoples.

May 5 is National MMIW Day, a day to raise awareness about the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2-spirit people in Canada. Today is a day to remember and honour those who have lost their lives to colonial, gender-based violence and their families and communities that live daily with the grief of losing loved ones.

You will see people wearing red today to show their support. Wearing red raises awareness about this ongoing national human rights crisis and is a way to take action. It is also a time to advocate for change and to demand action from governments and institutions to address the root causes of the MMIW crisis.

For more information on MMIW, click here.

Annette Klement – Cultural Safety Educator, Jillian Larabee – Indigenous Care Coordinator, Namoi Sinclair – Indigenous Care Coordinator, Leona Kakepetum – Manager Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion, Dr. Miranda Lesperance – Vice President Indigenous Collaboration, Equity & Inclusion, Maddy Reinikka – Executive Assistant to Dr. Christopher Mushquash & Dr. Miranda Lesperance, Kerry McLaughlin -Spiritual Care Associate

A beading session was held for staff to receive education on MMIW and bead an MMIW pin. Beading is considered a healing practice in Indigenous culture and will allow staff to further their education in Cultural Safety.