(Ottawa, ON) – One year after the release of the National Inquiry’s final report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the high rates of violence against First Nations women and girls continues. The Chair of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Women’s Council, Chief Connie Big Eagle, said a National Action Plan which addresses violence, policing, and justice issues is urgently needed.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Chantel Moore. This is another tragic event that stresses the need to implement the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry. There are numerous recommendations within the National Inquiry’s report that deal with policing issues and police interactions with First Nations women and girls,” said Chief Big Eagle. “The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the issue of domestic violence across the country and we know that First Nations women and girls are experiencing higher rates of abuse. The AFN Women’s Council believes the focus must be on ending violence against First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA.”
The AFN and the AFN Women’s Council have consistently advocated for immediate action such as greater funding for shelters and safe spaces, mental health supports, programming for men and boys, prevention, and greater funding for First Nations to develop land-based prevention and healing programs.
Several studies, including the National Inquiry’s final report, have shown that violence against First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA is interconnected with long standing systemic and institutional bias against First Nations people. A National Action Plan must address these issues in a way that is comprehensive and responsive to First Nations unique needs.
The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Updates.
For more information please contact:
Michael Hutchinson
Senior Communications Advisor
Assembly of First Nations
613-241-6789 ext. 244
613-859-6831 (cell)
[email protected]
Monica Poirier
Bilingual Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
613-241-6789 ext. 382
613-292-0857 (mobile)
[email protected]