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 Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA 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 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA People (MMIWGT) extends into international borders and as Nations, we support one another.
Tragically, Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people go missing or are murdered in Canada as well as other countries across the globe. Our women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA are sacred, they are our life-givers and matriarchs who are loved; they are our grandmothers, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, aunties, uncles, 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, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people have gone missing, have been found murdered or continue to be missing. As the pandemic continues, the rates of MMIWGT have not lessened, but rather increased making this year’s awareness critical in highlighting this tragedy and injustice.
Many families and survivors testified and shared their truth during the MMIWGT 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, #MMIWGT
- 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 a 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, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
The FNT2T has launched a MMIWGT 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 MMIWGT 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, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
The FNT2T MMIWGT sub-circle meets monthly to discuss the continuing development of the strategic vision, opportunities for awareness and advocacy, and Nation engagement.
FNT2T MMIWGT Sub-Circle Strategic Vision
Who
We recognize that we cannot address violence against women, girls and 2Spirit without acknowledging the roles and responsibilities of women, men and 2Spirit peoples; doing so, will restore and maintain balance and harmony in T2T.
Pillars
Traditional Knowledge à we must go to our nation citizens to learn important traditional knowledge that will guide and shape interventions and healing, and preventative efforts.
Healing & Intervention à the center, where all aspects of the vision intersect and come together, is healing and intervention. We understand this includes opportunities for healing and interventions that are focused on 1. individuals (2S, women and men), 2. Children and youth, 3. Families, 4. and at a local nation level.
Prevention à we have an opportunity to prevent harm to women, girls and 2S through education and awareness. Prevention should speak to all people (2S, women, men, and children).
This strategic vision will continue to evolve as we learn more.
Our next steps include:
- Creating a strategic vision statement to put on our website.
- Creating a strategic plan to implement action.
- Engage local nations for input, assessment of needs and area of strengths/resources.
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: tjolly@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.”
Last modified: May 5, 2022
