June 3, 2023
Statement from Premier Heather Stefanson, Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke, and Families Minister Rochelle Squires, Minister Responsible for Gender Equity Manitoba, on the Fourth Anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Today marks the fourth anniversary of Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples is deeply felt across Manitoba and it is imperative that we continue to honour the memories of those who have been taken.
Our government remains committed to working closely with Indigenous leadership, community-based organizations and law enforcement to continue to respond to the Calls for Justice of the national inquiry and to combat gender-based violence in Manitoba. We must also continue to listen to the voices of those directly affected to further acknowledge the individual and collective strength, courage, and resilience that families, survivors and communities continue to demonstrate while fighting for justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.
It is through a ‘whole-of-Manitoba’ approach based on partnerships, co-development and collaboration that our province move forward on implementation. Important initiatives to address this national tragedy include the ongoing work of Manitoba’s Gender-Based Violence Committee of Cabinet, the introduction of Clare’s law, and funding to Giganawenimaanaanig (formerly the Manitoba MMIWG2S+ Implementation Committee) via the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre to support the co-development of a provincial implementation plan informed by the 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan.
The Manitoba government has also recently amended the Path to Reconciliation Act that establishes the Calls for Justice as a key component of our government’s approach to advancing truth and reconciliation in Manitoba.
Addressing violence and incidents of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples remains an utmost priority. The Manitoba government will be there every step of the way alongside Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, families, survivors, leadership and communities in taking concrete action to respond to the Calls for Justice to secure a future together where Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ can thrive in an environment of safety and security.
For a more detailed list of Manitoba-related initiatives and reports, visit www.gov.mb.ca/inr/mmiwg/reports-and-publications.html.
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