How the Canadian Government Is Failing to Help MMIW
Content Warning: Abuse, genocide, murder.
Many people think that Canada is a country of peace; where racism is only a part of history. But in 2010, which was not too long ago, former prime minister Stephen Harper cut funding towards the Native Women’s Association of Canada, an organization that documented the disappearances and murders of Indigenous women. The mistreatment, racism and violence against Indigenous people, especially women and two-spirited people, has been ongoing in Canada since colonization and isn’t talked about enough.
Statistics of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada
While reading these statistics, keep in mind that Indigenous women only make up 4% of the country’s female population. Between 1997 and 2000, the homicide rate for Indigenous women was almost seven times higher than the rate for women of other ethnicities. According to the RCMP in a 2014 report, 1,200 Indigenous women went missing or were murdered between 1980 and 2012. However, documents from Indigenous groups report that the number is over 4,000. Indigenous women are two and a half times more likely to experience domestic abuse than women of other ethnicities.
How the Government is Failing to Help
Not only is the government failing to take proper action, but Canadian Law enforcements are also refraining from taking action. They prevent police from collecting racial data from missing suspects, which explains the underreports of missing Indigenous women and domestic abuse.
On May 26 of 2020, the government did not release their promised action plan due to COVID-19. This is problematic because Indigenous women are experiencing higher rates of violence during isolation. One in five Indigenous women who were surveyed by the NWAC experienced physical and mental abuse during stay-at-home orders.
On September 1st, 2016, the federal government launched a national inquiry into the murders and disappearances of Indigenous women and girls. The final report of the Inquiry was made on June 3, 2019. Lorraine Whitman, the leader of the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), said that the work environment was toxic and dysfunctional. They were excluded from making decisions and plans and also experienced violence, received disrespectful emails and rude comments. All Indigenous people should have their voices heard in order for real change to occur.
How Citizens Can Help MMIW
The government may refuse to listen to Indigenous women’s voices, but Canadian citizens that are willing to advocate for Indigenous rights can take action themselves. Combat racism, homophobia and transphobia within your communities and yourself. Read the final report of the national inquiry into MMIW, where thousands of victims, families of victims and survivors talk about how the genocide has affected them. It also contains resources on how to be a better ally to Indigenous communities. Call 1–844–413–6649 for support and assistance regarding the MMIW crisis.
