Manitoba’s newest specialty license plates in support of MMIWG2S are now available for purchase at Autopac agents across the province with some proceeds supporting Ka Ni Kanichihk, a Winnipeg-based Indigenous-led organization.
Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith and Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, the minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), made the announcement on Dec. 8.
“I introduced the bill to create this special license plate on behalf of MMIWG2S families as it is very close to my heart and has impacted my own family deeply,” said Smith. “We wanted to make sure other Manitobans recognized the significant impact of the reality we face. Ka Ni Kanichihk has incredible programs that support families who have been impacted by the loss of missing and murdered loved ones. Supporting education is a priority for these families and for me. This will truly make a difference in our community.”
The ministers announced Ka Ni Kanichihk has been selected as the charity that will receive $30 from the sale of each set of plates, which costs $70. The organization helps people through learning and healing programs grounded in traditional Indigenous knowledge and trauma-informed practices, the ministers noted, adding proceeds from the license plates will primarily support education costs for students from MMIWG2S families.
“We are deeply grateful for the partnership with MPI and the issuance of the MMIWG2S license plates, and to Minister Bernadette Smith,” said Dodie Jordaan, executive director, Ka Ni Kanichihk. “This initiative not only raises awareness but also provides support to Ka Ni Kanichihk’s MMIWG2SLGBTQ+ programs towards education. Together, we drive change, honouring the lives of the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQ+ while supporting survivors and communities on the path to healing and justice.”
The specialty plates were created following the introduction of bill 204 by Smith, which received royal assent on May 30 and received unanimous support from all parties. The minister also noted the designs were chosen because of consultations with the community and MMIWG2S family members to represent resistance to violence committed against women and gender-diverse people.
“The pain and grief of the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people is felt every day across our province,” said Wiebe. “These specialty plates are just one small way Manitobans can show solidarity and contribute to an important cause.”
Wiebe noted approximately $180,000 would be provided to Ka Ni Kanichihk by spring 2024 if all the 6,000 plates available are sold and encouraged Manitobans to consider purchasing one.
