October 4th: National Day of Action and Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ People

Taking Action: Addressing the MMIWG2S+ Crisis on National Day of Action and Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ People

What is MMIWG2S+?

The MMIWG2S+ crisis refers to the disproportionate rates of violence, abduction, and murder experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada. This ongoing tragedy is rooted in systemic racism, colonialism, and gender-based violence, and it calls for urgent action and awareness.

This list aims to guide you in learning about the MMIWG2S+ crisis and taking meaningful action. Every step counts toward honouring and protecting Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

Learn More:

• Read

  • National Inquiry into MMIWG Final Report
  • MMIWG2S+ National Action Plan – Urban Path to Reclaiming Power and Place
  • Keetsahnak: Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters
  • Forever Loved: Exposing the Hidden Crisis of MMIWG in Canada

• Watch

  • Highway of Tears (Documentary)
  • Tamara Bernard’s TED Talk: We Are More Than Missing and Murdered

• Listen

  • Who Killed Alberta Williams? (CBC Podcast)
  • Shades of Our Sisters (Web Series)

• Explore Online

  • Amnesty International’s No More Stolen Sisters Campaign
  • Ontario Native Women's Association Resources on MMIWG

Take Action:

• Wear Red to show your support, and display a red dress as part of the REDress Project.

• Contact Elected Officials to urge them to implement the Calls for Justice from the MMIWG Inquiry.
  • Consider using this template from Amnesty International
• Attend Events at the University of Guelph or within the Guelph community, and participate in vigils and recognition events.
  • Join community partners for the Sisters in Spirit event on October 4th at 6:30pm in Royal City Park
• Spread Awareness by educating friends and family and sharing information online using hashtags like #MMIWG2S, #MMIWGActionNow, and #SisterinSpirit
• Host a Screening with friends of Highway of Tears or other films to foster discussion.

Resources for Support

If you or someone you know is impacted by the MMIWG2S+ crisis or needs assistance, these resources are available to offer support:

Ontario Family Information Liaison Unit

• For family members seeking information about their missing or murdered loved ones.
• Toll-free: 1-844-888-8610
• Email: tanya.debassige@ontario.ca

Crisis Lines for Those Affected by Gender-Based Violence

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

• Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511 (multilingual services available)
• Text #SAFE (#7233)

Talk4Healing (Helpline for Indigenous Women)

• Call or Text: 1-855-554-4325 (multilingual services available)

Support Line for MMIWG2S+

• For immediate emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
• Toll-free: 1-844-413-6649

Hope for Wellness (24/7 Support for Indigenous people across Canada)

• 1-855-242-3310
• For online chat visit: hopeforwellness.ca