Treaty 2 – On August 12, 2021 the federal government announced an investment of $180 million to the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People. Our own FNT2T Health & Wellbeing Circle Keeper, Kim McPherson, is a member of the National MMIWG Family and Survivor’s Circle, and was present at the announcement. Kim shared testimony and is quoted,
“These actions are long overdue, but today’s announcement brings a sense of hope that our voices have been heard. Families and survivors must be centred in all government decision-making, and be afforded the space to stand in our power and continue to tell our truths to end the genocide and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.”
Kim McPherson
First Nations Family Member
The $180 million investment will cover three main areas: culture, health and wellbeing, and data. Treaty 2 nations are encouraged to apply for funding to support the survivors and families in their local nations. In the area of culture, investments in cultural spaces allows First Nations survivors, families, and communities to reclaim our identity, culture and sense of belonging. Kim shared, “To me culture is our law, our language, our right to economies, our ceremonies, our right to a life to participate freely as citizens and to be healthy and a strong sense of wellbeing.” The need for investments in health and well-being is imperative; families with members who are missing, or who have been stolen, are suffering through trauma, often unsupported. In the area of data, as sovereign nations, it is important to implement initiatives to enact and support out data sovereignty.
Kim shared on August 12, 2021, “As First Nations we are strong and have the ability to create our own laws, live our right to self-determination. It is my hope that these investments will help to restore the power and wellbeing of First Nations that was interrupted because of colonization.”
FNT2T established a MMIWGT sub-circle in May 2021 and look forward to developing ways to support local nations and citizens. If you have suggestions for ways that FNT2T can support MMIWGT survivors and families, please contact us by e-mail, Jennifer.meixner@fnt2t.com
Visit the funding announcement here: New programs and investments launched to support families, survivors and Indigenous communities under Federal Pathway to Address MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People – Canada.ca
On behalf of FNT2T, we want to thank Kim McPherson for her passion, continued involvement with the MMIWG National Inquiry, testimony, and dedication in this area and in health and wellbeing overall.
Written and shared on behalf of the MMIWGT Sub-Circle
Last modified: August 16, 2021
