May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people. The legacies of residential schools, the 60s scoop, and ongoing colonization including resource theft and socio-economic conditions like poverty, and sexism, racism, and discrimination often fall the hardest of women and gender diverse people. In May 2019, a 1,200 page report from Canada was released on the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). It includes over 230 recommendations and concluded that the murder and disappearance of Indigenous women and girls is an ongoing genocide. We must move forward to end the violence against MMIWG2S+.
Today is about building awareness of this ongoing harm and honoring those we have lost and their families. Mark today by:
- Wearing red and posting it to social media. Use hashtags such as #mmiwgawarenessday2020 #whywewearred and #nomorestolensisters.
- Hang a red dress in your window or your yard.
- If you are able, donate to an organization who work directly with MMIWG2S+ families such as Ka Ni Kanichichk
Today can be a triggering day for those affected by MMWIG2S+ loss you can connect with the MMWIG2S+ support Line 24/7 for free at 1-844-413-6649. Thee is also the Indigenous-specific Hope for Wellness Helpline at 1-855-242-3310. They offer Indigenous crisis counseling including in some Indigenous languages.
