Annually, Mississauga recognizes the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) on May 5. This is a time for reflection and action in Canada.

The 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action report identified 94 steps to address the damaging impact of residential schools in Canada. One of these steps, Call to Action #41, focuses on the issue of disproportionate violence against Indigenous women and girls, and proposes the creation of a public inquiry into this crisis, which remains an urgent matter of concern.

The day aims to recognize and raise awareness about the tragic rate of violence and abuse that Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people face in Canada. As a City, Mississauga honours the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people, while recognizing the grief shared by their families, friends and communities. On May 5, the City will recognize these tragic moments in Canada’s Indigenous history, by:

• Dimming the Clock Tower at Mississauga City Hall
• Lowering the Every Child Matters flag at City Hall to half-mast

The community is encouraged to show their support and raise awareness of MMIWG2S by wearing red, joining the conversation online, viewing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s report and other related material. Additional information and resources can be found on the City’s webpage.

Quotes

“As Canadians and long-standing partners with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, it is our mission to advocate, educate and make efforts that address and inform about the violations and abuses endured by Indigenous Peoples and help them reclaim their power. Indigenous women and girls are more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women and girls. The City of Mississauga will not let this historic and present-day reality stand unchallenged.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“On this day, we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people not only with remembrance, but with responsibility. The violence our families continue to face is not in the past – it is ongoing, and it demands action. We carry the voices of those who are no longer here, and we stand with the families who continue to search for truth, justice, and healing. Our commitment must go beyond words. It must live in how we protect, uplift, and create safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people both today, and for the generations to come.” – Margaret Sault, Chief of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

“Imagine the pain, heartbreak and fear of losing your mother, sister, aunt or daughter. Imagine the anger and frustration of unanswered questions, but still hoping they will return. The families of the MMIWG2S Peoples are never the same after losing their loved ones.” – Becky LaForme, member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Indigenous Relations Coordinator, City of Mississauga

Tags

• Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
• Indigenous Relations