Recognizing Canada’s National Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women: Honoring Lives, Demanding Justice
On February 14, Canada observes the National Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), a day of remembrance, reflection, and action. For too long, Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people have been subjected to disproportionate levels of violence and systemic neglect. This day serves as a call to action for all Canadians to confront these injustices and stand in solidarity with the families and communities who continue to bear the painful weight of these losses.
A Dark History on the Highway of Tears
One of the most glaring examples of this violence is the notorious “Highway of Tears” in British Columbia (B.C.), a stretch of Highway 16 that has become synonymous with the abduction, disappearance, and murder of Indigenous women. Stretching from Prince Rupert to Prince George, this 725-kilometer highway has seen the lives of at least 18 Indigenous women taken in violent ways, though some advocates believe the actual number could be much higher. The first known disappearance occurred in 1970, and the tragic stories have continued for decades.
The B.C. government has attempted to address the issue with some progress, including initiatives for safer transportation options, but the problem persists. Indigenous women living in rural or isolated areas are at heightened risk due to limited access to resources, transportation, and safety. With many of the women who go missing from these regions being Indigenous, it is clear that their cases have been historically undervalued or mishandled by law enforcement.
The Reality of Violence Against Indigenous Women in Canada
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, concluded in 2019, stated unequivocally that “violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people is a national crisis.” The inquiry’s final report, “Reclaiming Power and Place,” noted that Indigenous women and girls in Canada are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than their non-Indigenous counterparts. Additionally, Indigenous women are more than twice as likely to experience violence, with factors like poverty, racism, and colonial violence compounding the risks.
One critical area of concern is the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in situations of extreme marginalization—those who are homeless, incarcerated, or living with addictions. These women are especially vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and violence. The inability to escape cycles of poverty, isolation, and lack of access to healthcare, housing, and social services further entrenches their vulnerability to systemic violence.
The Stats Paint a Disturbing Picture:
Indigenous women represent only 4% of Canada’s population, but they account for more than 16% of all female homicides.
In 2015, Indigenous women were five times more likely to be killed than non-Indigenous women.
In 2019, the National Inquiry’s final report revealed that Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people are still subjected to discriminatory systems that fail to protect them or seek justice for their deaths.
Many Indigenous women and girls face repeated cycles of violence, often at the hands of intimate partners or strangers. This violence is compounded by limited resources for law enforcement and social support.
The Need for Continued Advocacy and Action
While the day of recognition serves as an important reminder, it is clear that it cannot be a one-time event. The struggle to end violence against Indigenous women requires a multi-faceted approach that combines public awareness, legislative change, and meaningful support for Indigenous communities. It must center on the needs of the most marginalized women—those living in rural, remote, or urban areas who often go unnoticed in the mainstream media or law enforcement.
What Needs to Change:
Improved Law Enforcement Practices: There needs to be a concerted effort from both provincial and federal governments to hold police accountable for their handling of cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous women. Training must be provided to ensure officers understand the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities and how to engage with them in culturally appropriate ways.
Community Empowerment: Indigenous communities must be given the resources and autonomy to protect and heal their members. Empowering Indigenous-led organizations to provide services for survivors of violence, and ensuring that families have access to support networks, is essential. It’s also critical that Indigenous women have leadership roles within these organizations to ensure their voices are heard.
Access to Social Services and Housing: Addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty and homelessness, is crucial. Governments need to work alongside Indigenous organizations to improve housing, healthcare, and educational opportunities for Indigenous women, addressing the socio-economic factors that increase their vulnerability to violence.
Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the scale of violence against Indigenous women can help to challenge stereotypes and build solidarity with the Indigenous community. More work needs to be done to educate Canadians about the history of colonial violence and its ongoing effects on Indigenous women.
Resources for Support and Action
Several organizations and resources are committed to ending violence against Indigenous women and girls and supporting their families in times of grief and crisis. Some of these include:
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC): A national organization that works to advance the rights of Indigenous women in Canada and provide resources for those affected by violence.
The Highway of Tears Initiative: A grassroots effort that advocates for systemic change to address the violence along the Highway of Tears and the larger issues facing Indigenous women across B.C.
The Sisters in Spirit Campaign: An initiative run by NWAC that conducts research and advocacy around the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Healing
Canada’s National Day for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is a reminder of the deep wounds that remain in the hearts of Indigenous families, but it is also a call for all Canadians to act in solidarity with Indigenous communities. The loss of these women is a loss for us all, and the fight for justice is far from over. To truly honor these women, it is essential that we commit to ongoing work to ensure their voices are heard, their lives are valued, and that no more women fall through the cracks of a broken system.
As we remember and mourn, we must also look to the future with a commitment to action, supporting policies and initiatives that will make a tangible difference in the lives of Indigenous women. Together, we can honour their memory and work towards a safer, more just world for all.
