(February 14, 2025 – Unceded Algonquin Territory, Ottawa, Ontario) — Today, National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak joins families, Survivors, and communities across the country in recognizing the 34th Annual Women’s Memorial March, which honours the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals who have been murdered or are missing.
“The Women’s Memorial March is a time to remember and honour the lives of First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have been taken from us by violence,” said National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak. “What began in 1992 in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside has grown into a movement that draws attention to the systemic violence our people face. Families and Survivors lead this work, and we must continue to support them and listen to their voices.”
In June 2024, the AFN released a five-year independent review of progress on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ 231 Calls for Justice (CFJ). The review found that only two Calls for Justice had been fully implemented, while many critical CFJ remain incomplete.
“This lack of progress is unacceptable and continues to put First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals at risk,” continued National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “We urge all levels of government, both current and incoming, to honour their commitments and fully implement the Calls for Justice. First Nations women, girls, and gender-diverse people deserve to live with safety and dignity.”
“The Women’s Memorial March brings families, Survivors, and communities to come together and demand change,” added Chief Connie Big Eagle, Chair of the AFN Women’s Council. “Too many families continue to carry the pain of losing loved ones to violence. We will keep advocating for the full implementation of the Calls for Justice to ensure no more families experience this loss. Today, we encourage all Canadians to take action to help end violence against First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals and to participate in one of the many events taking place across Canada.”
Support is available for Indigenous individuals across Canada through the Hope for Wellness Help Line, which offers 24/7 mental health counselling and crisis intervention. For assistance, call 1-855-242-3310 or connect online at their website: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/.
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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.
For more information, please contact:
Jon Adam Chen
Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
[email protected]
(343)-573-2229 (mobile)
Cherish Francis
Press Secretary
National Chief’s Office
(343) 630-1372 (mobile)
[email protected]