AMC Encourages All Manitobans to Join Efforts in Ending the MMIWG2S+ Crisis
October 4, 2023
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba – October 4 is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender-Diverse (MMIWG2S+). The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) calls on all Manitobans to actively participate in ending this national tragedy.
The crisis of Missing and Murdered First Nations and Indigenous Women and Girls, Two-Spirited and Gender-Diverse individuals is an ongoing tragedy that affects communities across Turtle Island. The AMC recognizes the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes and systemic issues perpetuating this crisis.
Manitoba has one of the highest rates of homicide of Indigenous women and girls in Canada. In 2022, 20% of all homicide victims in Manitoba were identified as Indigenous. By late 2022, there were 52 Indigenous people murdered in this province, and 10 of these victims were Indigenous women or girls.
Four years have passed since the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+ released its 231 Calls to Justice to end the violence against our most vulnerable people. To date, only 13 have been fully addressed, 106 are in progress, and 112 remain uninitiated.
On this National Day of Action, the AMC reaffirms its commitment to advocating for justice, awareness, and meaningful change. The AMC calls on all Manitobans to join this effort regardless of their background. We all must work together to ensure the safety and well-being of MMIWG2S+ individuals.
“We cannot stand by and allow this crisis to continue,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. “Every Manitoban has a role to play in ending the MMIWG2S+ crisis. We must support the families, honour the memories of those we have lost, and demand accountability from all levels of government to assess the systems and policies that enable this crisis to continue.”
The AMC acknowledges the strength and resilience of MMIWG2S+ families and communities. Their voices and experiences must guide our actions and efforts toward a more just and equitable future.
Today serves as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals. The AMC urges individuals, organizations, and communities to attend events, participate in initiatives, and raise awareness to advocate for change.
As Manitobans come together on this National Day of Action, the AMC stands united in its commitment to ending the MMIWG2S+ crisis. Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive society for all.
For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of 62 of the 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 151,000 First Nation citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Nehetho / Ininew (Cree), Anishininew (Ojibwe-Cree), Denesuline (Dene) and Dakota Oyate (Dakota) peoples.