Treaty 2 Territory – The First Nations in Treaty 2 Territory (FNT2T) support the Nations in the United States as they acknowledge the National Day of Awareness to Commemorate Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls on May 5th. Many of us in Treaty 2 territory have relatives in the United States as historically, we freely crossed North America without colonial borders. The movement to bring awareness to MMIWG extends into international borders and as Nations we support one anther.
Tragically, Indigenous women and girls go missing or are murdered in Canada but also in other countries across the globe. Our women and girls are sacred, they are our life-givers and matriarchs who are loved; they are our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunties, cousins and friends. They are valued.
FNT2T families and Nations are greatly impacted daily by the continued genocide resulting in tragic losses and gender-based violence against our Anishinaabe women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people. Many Anishinaabe women and girls have gone missing, have been found murdered or continue to be missing. As the pandemic continues, the rates of MMIWG have not lessened but increased making this year’s awareness critical in highlighting this tragedy and injustice.
Many families and survivors testified and shared their truth during the MMIWG National Inquiry that resulted in the release on June 3, 2019 of a Report and 231 Calls to Justice. Canada is leading the development of a National Action Plan which families and survivors are eager to see.
On May 5th, FNT2T encourages all Treaty 2 citizens to mark this day by doing something in your own way to commemorate and honour the sacred lives taken and raise awareness to this national tragedy. Some ways you can participate is to:
- Wear something red
- Hang a RedDress to honour a loved one
- Light a candle
- Create a poster and post on social media: #nomorestolensisters
- Write a Call(s) to Justice that is meaningful to you and why
- Smudge or say a prayer for your loved one(s)
- Create a piece of art via paint or beads
- Feast
- Pray
- Hold a ceremony
- Post a picture of your loved one and tell a story that highlights their spirit and life
- Dance/Jingle Dance
- Sing a song/ Drum
- Read a scripture
- Tie a red ribbon
- Visit a memorial such as the one at The Forks
- Prepare a tobacco tie(s)
- Hold a virtual vigil
The federal government has made significant investments of $2.2 Billion in the 2021 Budget and FNT2T will seek ways to advocate for funding for T2T Nations to eliminate violence against Anishinaabe women and girls.
The FNT2T has launched a MMIWG sub circle under the Peacemaking Circle to implement Resolution 2020-09-03-004 to “support the 2,380 family testimonies and the 231 Calls to Justice from the Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”. The sub-circle will
- post a number of Calls to Justice every week to ensure that Canada, provinces, Territories, the public, private sectors and media are being held accountable to implement those calls.
- create a MMIWG2SL+ strategy to hold the governments accountable to the federal National Action Plan and ensure interventions and resources reach Treaty 2 citizens and stop the tragedy of violence against our women and girls.
Links:
Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/
Creating the MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ national action plan: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1590523702000/1590523850562
If you are affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and need immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.
Resources:
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison Unit
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.
Toll Free: 1.800.442.0488
Direct Line: 1.204.677.1648
Mobile: 1.204.307.5919
Manitoba Family Information Liaison Unit
Toll-free phone: 1-866-484-2846
Email: Shannon.McCorry@gov.mb.ca
FILU Community Liaison Contacts (Southern Manitoba Including Winnipeg)
Medicine Bear Counselling, Support and Elder Services
Ka Ni Kanichihk
Phone: 204-953-5820
Toll-free phone: 1-888-953-5264
Email: abear@kanikanichihk.ca
FILU Community Liaison Contact (Northern Manitoba)
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Communities (MKO)
Thompson/Winnipeg
Phone: 204-677-1600
Email: hilda.anderson.pyrz@mkonorth.com
Missing Persons & Persons at Risk Toolkit
https://www.kanikanichihk.ca/missing-persons-persons-at-risk-toolkit/
“Here you will find documents and information that can assist family members with information regarding missing persons or persons at risk. We invite you to browse our resources, download, and print out any forms that will assist you.”
Miigwetch
Kim McPherson,Chantell Barker and Jennifer Meixner
Last modified: May 6, 2021
