“We continue to seek action on this national emergency.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 4, 2023
ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, on the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two Spirit, and Gender-Diverse People (MMIWG2S+) and the Provincial Day of Awareness and Education, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is announcing the launch of our third annual public awareness campaign to honour and remember MMIWG2S+.
“Today and every day, we honour and remember the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people who have been subject to gender-based violence in Canada,” stated SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “Our public awareness campaign aims to keep this issue at the forefront as we continue to encourage action on the 231 Calls for Justice. My prayers are with all the families who have lost loved ones and who will forever be deeply impacted by this national emergency.”
SCO brings awareness to the issue of MMIWG2S+ through our campaign, which is visible in locations across southern Manitoba including Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Brandon, Dauphin, Selkirk and Winkler. There are billboards and bus ads that include a call to search the landfill. SCO is also giving away red t-shirts, candles, window stickers, and small booklets that share the 231 Calls for Justice from the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. They can be picked up at no cost from our sub-office at 1572 Dublin Avenue during regular office hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed 12 noon – 1 pm).
“The outcome of our provincial election shows that there are many caring Manitoba citizens who stand in solidary with us on this issue,” said Grand Chief Daniels. “We wish to move forward in partnership with our provincial and federal Treaty partners to respond to the national emergency of MMIWG2S+. It is essential we work together for the ongoing safety and dignity of our women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse citizens.”
SCO is a founding member of Giganawenimaanaanig (the Manitoba MMIWG2S+ Implementation Committee), which is organizing a special event taking place at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights from 10 am to 7 pm today. All are welcome, the event is free to attend and people can register here: https://tinyurl.com/4runwp72
At 5 pm at the museum, SCO is pleased to be hosting a reception with Senator Michèle Audette, former Commissioner of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
In Canada, a woman is killed approximately every two days, according to the Canadian Femicide Observatory at the University of Guelph. A recent comprehensive review of progress on the Calls for Justice by CBC notes that only two of 231 Calls for Justice are complete, and more than 50 per cent have not even been started.
If there is anyone who requires emotional support as we honour MMIWG2S+, please call the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. This service is available in English, Anishnaabemowin, and Cree.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 85,500 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
For media inquiries:
Email: media@scoinc.mb.ca