National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

On October 4, 2021, the government of Ontario recognized the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. In their statement, they released various initiatives centered around addressing the root causes of violence. Since the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released in 2019, the federal government suffered much scrutiny for failing to act, despite violence against Indigenous Women in Canada amounting to genocide. While Ontario’s statement displays hope, it is important to remember this same government cut funding for victims of violent crime in 2019. It should be no secret that Indigenous Women rank amongst the most affected by violent crime in Canada. Being the most affected by the cut in 2019, the statement made on October 4 may be seen more as a rectification for previous wrongs rather than an initiative on its own.

Therefore, it is important now more than ever to use our voices to increase the pressure that has building over the years to call for change. We must show the government that we see their initiative as a beginning, and we must support the Indigenous Women and Girls on their journey to equality.