October 4, 2018
Manitobans Encouraged to Show Support for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day
Manitobans are encouraged to show support for the women and girls and their families who have been impacted by violence by taking a moment to honour them today, Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke announced.
“Today, I would like to recognize the women and girls who have been stolen by this violence,” said Clarke. “It is important that we remember the legacies of these women. I urge all Manitobans to take the time today to do this, and honour these women and their families by reading their stories and saying their names out loud.”
October 4 is a day to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Indigenous women and girls in Manitoba, and Canada, are disproportionately affected by all forms of violence. According to Statistics Canada, from 2001 to 2014, homicide rates for Indigenous women were six times higher than homicides involving non-Indigenous women.
Manitoba passed an Order in Council that provides the federally appointed commissioners the authority to examine work and analysis that has already been completed in Manitoba. This work includes Manitoba inquest reports, reviews of the child welfare system, a 2016 report on the vulnerability of marginalized Indigenous girls, The Legacy of Phoenix Sinclair – Achieving the Best for All Our Children, and the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry.
“I want to thank all the families that advocated for their loved ones. Your courage and persistence resulted in the launch of the national inquiry in 2016,” said Clarke. “I commend all survivors and family members for your bravery and tenacity, and your unwavering commitment to raising awareness for all missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.”
The minister noted Manitoba is optimistic the inquiry will make concrete actionable recommendations that build on current initiatives and knowledge and result in realistic and meaningful changes that will begin to address the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
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