The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) has joined other Indigenous organizations and Canadians demanding the government to declare a state of emergency to end the genocide against Indigenous women, girls, transgender, two spirit, and gender-diverse people.
NWAC is also seeking that rather than claw back essential funding to enhance the safety of women, children and gender-diverse peoples, that the funding be reinstated and increased.
Since the release of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, transgender, two spirit, and gender-diverse people has increased, and thus the need for additional funding to end this genocide.
“Canada is in a state of crisis. We ask any and all allies, organizations and advocates to please show your support by including your name in an open letter addressed to members of parliament and senators no later than Tuesday, May 2.” said NWAC President Carol McBride.
McBride became NWAC president last year. Representing Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people; the Seven Grandmother Teachings–love, truth, bravery, humility, wisdom, honesty, and respect–are central to her leadership at NWAC.
“I strongly believe that Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse peoples have always possessed the agency and the expertise to know what is right for themselves and for their families,” she said. “Indigenous women bring communities together, they are life givers and knowledge transferrers. Indigenous women can change the world and I carry this message with me wherever I go.”
NWAC is adding its voice to the voices of the MMIWG2S+ Implementation Committee in Manitoba, named Gaganaawenimaanaanig.
Mel Critch, co-chair of Manitoba Moon Voices Inc., one of NWAC’s provincial and territorial association members, will be adding her association’s name to show their support.
“This is alarming and needs to be addressed immediately due to the on-going genocide, compounded by the lack of implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice and therefore lack of human security our Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse peoples face,” said Critch. “Let us show solidarity for our sisters throughout the country.”
“We ask that Canadians support their local grassroots efforts. Please help to bring attention to this call for action by participating in demonstrations to be held across Canada in solidarity and recognition of our missing and murdered loved ones and survivors of violence on May 5, Red Dress Day,” said McBride. “I thank everyone for your tireless advocacy. Enough is enough, no more stolen sisters.”
