This Indigenous History Month marks the release of Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Over three years the National Inquiry held Truth Gatherings where families and survivors shared their experiences with violence, their recommendations and their art in 1,484 testimonies. The commissioners also gathered information on institutionalized violence along with testimony from experts, Elders and knowledge keepers.
We, along with the Canadian Labour Congress, call for immediate action to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people.
We insist upon the implementation of the National Inquiry’s recommendations.
We continue our call for the federal legislature to pass Bill C-262 this session and ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
And, we ask our members to take action now on the Calls for Justice for All Canadians, to learn the true history of Canada and to become informed and active allies to Indigenous Peoples.
Suggested Resources for Learning:
- National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Our Women and Girls Are Sacred: The Interim Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls.
- National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Their Voices Will Guide Us: Student and Youth Engagement Guide.
- Transcripts, testimonies, and public statements offered during the Truth-Gathering Process, available at http://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/transcripts/ and http://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/part-ii-and-part-iii-knowledge-keeper-expert-and-institutional-hearing-transcripts/.
- Canadian Labour Congress. Indigenous Lobby Guide.
Suggested Resources for Allyship:
- Amnesty International. 10 Ways to Be a Genuine Ally to Indigenous Communities.
- Dr. Lynn Gehl. Ally Bill of Responsibilities.
- Indigenous Perspectives Society. How to Be an Ally to Indigenous People.
- Montreal Urban Aboriginal Community Strategy Network. Indigenous Ally Toolkit.