For immediate release
June 3, 2019

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, MB – As the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) is released today in Ottawa, Grand Chief Garrison Settee of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) is acknowledging the families, the survivors, and the Two Spirit community who have been impacted by a missing or murdered loved person or by violence. He also acknowledges the spirits of the women, girls and Two Spirit people who have gone missing or who have been murdered.

“The lives of Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people matter,” said Grand Chief Settee. “First Nation, Inuit, and Metis women, girls, and Two Spirit individuals should be given every opportunity to thrive and grow in environments that are healthy and safe. For decades, First Nations women, girls, and Two Spirit people have been powerful in their work towards making positive changes. MKO will continue to stand with these advocates and will work with institutions to ensure the voices of Indigenous women and girls will continue to be heard.”

The release of the report will be triggering for many community members. MKO recommends that people consider watching the livestream of the report release with a group and be prepared to reach out for access mental health supports. For immediate emotional assistance, call the National Inquiry’s toll-free line at 1-844-413-649. This national phone line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It provides support for anyone who needs emotional assistance related to MMIWG. Anyone looking for supports based in Manitoba can call 1-866-818-3505.

MKO has established a MMIWG Liaison Unit, led by Hilda Anderson-Pyrz. The Unit supports families, survivors, and Two Spirit individuals who have been impacted by the issue of MMIWG. To reach the MMIWG Liaison Unit, please call 204-677-1648 or toll free 1-800-442-0488 or visit its Facebook page @MKOMMIWGLiaison.

The MMIWG Liaison Unit at MKO is hosting two events in Manitoba for community members who have been affected by this issue or who want to help move the recommendations forward. Michelle Audette, Commissioner from the National Inquiry into MMIWG, will be joining a dialogue on what the report means and how it will be used as a tool to create change in Canada. The events are being held as follows:

  • Monday, June 10: St. Joseph’s Hall, 340 Juniper Drive in Thompson from 3:30 to 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday, June 11: Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, 445 King St. in Winnipeg from 1 to 4 pm

“MKO will to work to implement recommendations but I also call on all other levels of government to do what they can. There needs to be a plan of action for implementing the recommendations in the report. We cannot let this be another report that gathers dust,” stated Grand Chief Settee. “Sustainable, long-term funding is needed to protect the lives of Indigenous women and girls. As a warrior I call on the federal, provincial, municipal, and First Nations leaders to walk this journey with me to ensure we see the report’s recommendations come to fruition.”

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The following images provide information on our upcoming community forums in Thompson and Winnipeg. If you are on a computer, right click on each image to save it to your desktop.