Reader letter: Justice needed for murdered, missing Indigenous women, girls

Published Dec 20, 2023 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 2 minute read

The Sisters in Spirit hold a vigil to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse+ people, at City Park in Kingston, Ont., on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Photo by Steph Crosier /Steph Crosier/Kingston Whig-Stan

In our pride for Canada’s diverse and inclusive society, we must confront a painful truth: a gaping hole in our commitment to justice and equality. The missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) crisis is an enduring scar on our nation’s history, a wound deeply ingrained in our society demanding immediate attention.

MMIWG is not just a statistic; it is a devastating reality. Indigenous women are six times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women, underscoring the urgency for action. These are the stories of Indigenous women and girls who deserve more — a reflection of systemic issues affecting not just their lives but the very fabric of our nation.

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By ignoring this crisis, we perpetuate harm and deny justice to those who have suffered.

To address the MMIWG crisis, we must collectively acknowledge our responsibility. It is a call to action for all Canadians. We must raise awareness, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and advocate for policy change. Educators and students, in particular, can shape a future where MMIWG is no longer a grim reality.

Incorporate Indigenous history, culture, and contemporary issues into school curricula. Demand comprehensive education on Indigenous rights and MMIWG. Join or support Indigenous-led initiatives, attend MMIWG events, engage in conversations, and pressure local and national leaders.

This is not a challenge for a few; it is a call to action for all of us. The harm is real, but so are the solutions.

It is time for Canadians to unite, listen to the voices of Indigenous women and girls, and take decisive action. MMIWG should no longer be a painful reality in our nation. It is time to end the silence and bring about justice and change for those who need it the most.

Jillia Habeeb

Belle River

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