October 4 is Manitoba’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Persons.
The University is committed to the ongoing work of ensuring Indigenous knowledges and perspectives are honoured, and to participating in Reconciliation.
On the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+, we call attention to this ongoing crisis and encourage action. Familiarize yourself with the National Action Plan and the Progress Report, to find ways to honour those who are missing or have been murdered, and amplify the voices of their loved ones calling for action.
“On the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+, we recognize mothers, sisters, daughters, kokums, aunties, cousins, gender-diverse relatives, and friends,” said Dr. Chantal Fiola, Associate Vice-President, Indigenous. “We honour the work of the National Inquiry, the communities in mourning, and the families that continue to search for their loved ones. This day is a reminder of our collective responsibility to act. Read the calls for justice, attend a community gathering, and reflect.”
1200+ film screening
On October 3 in 3C00 you can attend a screening of 1200+ hosted by Sheila North, Executive Director, External Indigenous Relations and Special Initiatives. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the film starts at 1 p.m.
1200+ is a documentary about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2S+ people by Sheila North, directed by Leonard Yakir and co-produced by Sheila North and Leonard Yakir.
“This film is important for us and our Indigenous communities as we need to continue to raise awareness and bring international attention to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada,” said North. “We invite those to see the film to learn more about the issue of MMIWG2S+ in Canada and how it impacts our communities and families across the country. I know those dark corners of Canada’s towns and cities that need more light and helping hands reaching in, and that’s a big reason we made this documentary. I hope people are inspired to make a change.”
Join us to raise awareness, honour the lives lost, and inspire change. Those who register will be entered into a draw to win a signed copy of Sheila North’s book My Privilege, My Responsibility.
Emotional and mental health supports
We encourage you to care for yourself and your loved ones, lean into your personal support systems, and to access the resources in your community or those listed below if you need additional help.
- Phone: 1-844-413-6649 – the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis line is toll free and available 24/7. Service is available in English, French, Cree, Anishinaabemowin (Ojibway) and Inuktitut.
- If you have questions about your missing and murdered loved ones, Family Information Liaison Units (FILU) members work directly with families to gather information from government services and agencies, such as child protection, polices services and coroner’s offices, to address outstanding questions about the loss of their loved ones. For more information about the services they offer or to find a contact near you, visit the FILU webpage on the Department of Justice website.
- Manitoba Family Violence Shelters and Supports (PDF)
- Ka Ni Kanichihk – Missing Persons and Persons at Risk Toolkit and Medicine Bear Counselling, Support & Elder Services Program
- Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre’s Spirit of Peace Program
- Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc.’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Liaison Unit and MMIWG Wellness Tools
- Phone or chat online with the Hope for Wellness Helpline, available to all Indigenous people across Canada.
- Access after-care supports for survivors, family members and those affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
