To view this media release in a PDF format, please click here.
For immediate release
May 5, 2022
Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is honouring and remembering the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals today, May 5, which is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.
“My heart hurts for all those who have been impacted by the nationwide crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse people.” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “On behalf of MKO First Nations, I will continue to advocate for all levels of government to continue to implement the 231 Calls for Justice stemming from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I urge other MKO citizens to stand with me in solidarity and work to end gender-based violence in our communities.”
The MKO Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s and Girl’s Liaison Unit is hosting an awareness walk with community members and allies to remember, honour, and speak out against gender-based violence affecting Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse people. The walk begins at 11 am at MKO’s office at 55 Selkirk Avenue in Thompson. Everyone is welcome. This event is an opportunity to come together as a community and participate in activities that promote awareness and healing.
In Canada, the third anniversary of the release of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report and the 231 Calls for Justice is quickly approaching. The Calls for Justice are legal imperatives—they are not optional. All governments must have the political will to support and be accountable for the mechanisms required for the implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice. The actions from the implementation process must be felt on the ground to result in transformative change.
“Take the time to educate others about and bring awareness to the crisis of MMIWG2S+. We are responsible for taking action to help put an end to violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people,” said Heidi Spence, Director of MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit. “We encourage everyone in the Thompson area to join us on this important day at our awareness walk, which starts at 11 am at MKO’s Thompson office at 55 Selkirk Avenue.”
-30-
For more information:
Melanie Ferris, MKO Communications
Cell: 204-612-1284
Email: [email protected]
