M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse Individuals (M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+) Resources
Great resources to help learn more about M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+, build on your understanding of this current crisis within Canada and find ways to get involved.
The images used for the posters located at City Hall were taken from CBC Missing and Murdered: The Unsolved Cases of Indigenous Women and Girls.
| History of M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ |
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The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two Spirit and Gender Diverse Individuals (M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+) was launched in 2016 to examine and report on systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous individuals, particularly women and girls who face disproportionately high levels of violence when compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. This inquiry is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #41, "We call upon the federal government, in consultation with Aboriginal organizations, to appoint a public inquiry into the causes of, and remedies for, the disproportionate victimization of Aboriginal women and girls." The goal of the Inquiry was to investigate and report on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls and to examine the underlying social, economic, cultural, institutional and historical causes that contribute to the ongoing violence and particular vulnerabilities. Through the Inquiry into M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ there were 4 key areas addressed where systemic changes need to be implemented:
To learn more about these areas, please read the inquiry or watch this brief Video Overview to Contextualize the Inquiry into M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ |
| Red Dress Installations |
Why 13 Dresses?The groupings of 13 represent the Thirteen Moons followed by the Anishinaabe calendar teachings that may vary slightly among different communities; essentially each Moon reflects a teaching that emphasize the importance of maintaining balance, respect, and harmony in relationships with oneself, others, and the environment. In honour of M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+, the City of Oshawa is looking to draw attention to this crisis through a red dress art installation at City Hall. Inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black, 13 dresses now line the pathway from King. St. W. and Centre St. S. to City Hall, and 13 more inside on the main floor of the building. Keewatinong or North DirectionDelpark Homes Centre - 1661 Harmony Rd. N. Waabinong or East DirectionDonevan Recreation Complex - 171 Harmony Rd. S. Zhawanong or South DirectionSouth Oshawa Community Centre - 1455 Cedar St. Ningabii'anong or West DirectionCivic Recreation Complex - 99 Thornton Rd. S. |
| Purpose of the National Day of Awareness for M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ |
Why do we have a day?May 5 has been designated as a day to pay respect to the victims, raise awareness of the crisis and call on governments to take action to address the racialized and gendered violence inflicted on Indigenous peoples in Canada. Why Red Dresses?Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project installation, in which she hung empty, red dresses to represent the missing and murdered Indigenous women. Red dresses have become symbolic of the crisis as a result of her installation. Current Concerns |
| Moose Hide campaign |
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The Moose Hide Campaign is a nationwide movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians from First Nations, local communities, governments, schools, post-secondary institutions, and many other organizations that are committed to taking action to end violence towards women and children. The official Moose Hide Campaign Day is May 16. The cornerstone of the Campaign is the moose hide pin. Wearing a moose hide pin signifies the wearer’s commitment to honour, respect and protect the women and children in their life and speak out against gender-based and domestic violence. In addition to being a symbol against gender-based and domestic violence, moose hide is also a symbol of undoing the effects of Residential Schools. Throughout the month of May, pins will be available at the service counters at City Hall, Civic Recreation Complex, Delpark Homes Centre, Donevan Recreation Complex and South Oshawa Community Centre. Community members are encouraged to visit a facility to pick up a pin and wear the pin in May and beyond. |
| Women's Memorial March and the Day to Honour M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ |
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The Women’s Memorial March (W.M.M) is held every year on 14 February, Valentine’s Day, in cities across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States). The W.M.M started in 1992 in Vancouver, B.C, following the murder of Indigenous woman Cheryl Ann Joe. The first Women’s Memorial March began as a small memorial for Joe, but grew to become an annual march to honour all missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The Vancouver march draws thousands of people, while women’s memorial marches have spread to more than 20 cities across Turtle Island (Canada and the United States). The Day to Honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was created in response to the Women’s Memorial March, first held in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in 1992. Valentine’s Day has been chosen as a day to hold space and memorialize Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. |
| Learn more about M.M.I.W.G.2.S.+ |
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The Final Report of the National Inquiry led to the National Action Plan being developed to help support all levels of government and communities in their steps to reduce the dangers Indigenous Peoples face within Canada.
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| Crisis support resources |
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If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, you can find support lines in your region:
Women and Gender Equality Canada's Gender-Based Violence Knowledge Centre maintains a searchable database of information and resources on gender-based violence:
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| Ways to be an Active Ally |
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