(October 4, 2024 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa) – Today, on the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) expressed her support for all First Nations women, girls, and gender-diverse people affected by violence and called for the full implementation of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ 231 Calls for Justice.
“Today, we remember those we’ve lost to violence, like Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe, Rebecca Contois, and Chantel Moore, and we stand with their families, friends, and communities,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “These losses show the ongoing crisis and our need for justice. Today, we come together at events and vigils across the country to push for the safety and dignity of all our sisters and to hold accountable the systems that fail to protect First Nations women, girls and gender-diverse people.”
In June, the AFN released a five-year independent review on the progress of the Calls for Justice. The findings show that only two have been fully implemented, with the majority showing little to no progress, highlighting the critical need for enhanced support to fully implement the Calls for Justice.
“Our daughters, sisters and mothers deserve a future where all First Nations girls, women, and gender-diverse people feel safe and valued,” said Chief Connie Big Eagle, Chair of the AFN Women’s Council. “On Sisters in Spirit Day, we call on all levels of government to commit to immediate and sustained action. We must see the full implementation of the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice and end the cycle of violence to ensure no more stolen sisters!”
“Governments at all levels must fulfill their responsibilities by implementing the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ 231 Calls for Justice. This is crucial to protect First Nations women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals,” concluded AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “By acting on these Calls for Justice, we not only seek justice for those affected but will also make progress on ending this ongoing national tragedy.”
Support is available for Indigenous people across Canada through the Hope for Wellness Help Line. This toll-free service offers 24/7 mental health counseling and crisis intervention by phone or chat. For assistance, call 1-855-242-3310, or connect with a counselor online via the chat option on their website here.
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern. Follow AFN on X @AFN_Updates.
Contact information:
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
(343)-573-2229 (mobile)
Jamie Monastyrski
Press Secretary
Office of the National Chief
[email protected]
(613) 612-7229 (mobile)