On the fifth anniversary of the release of the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak delivered a powerful message, urging for concrete action and justice for First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. The press conference, held in Ottawa, was a solemn reminder of the ongoing crisis and the need for immediate and substantial reforms.
Chief Woodhouse Nepinak highlighted the stark reality that only two of the 231 calls for justice outlined in the 2019 report have been fully implemented. “Regrettably, the report’s findings indicate that only two of the calls for justice impacting First Nations have been fully implemented over the past five years, with the majority showing minimal to no progress. This failure is not acceptable to our people,” she stated.
The AFN’s call for action is underscored by the need for increased resources and a recommitment from all levels of government. “We are calling upon all governments to increase resources and recommit to these calls for justice. We need you to the provinces, to the feds, we need you,” Chief Woodhouse Nepinak asserted, urging for a collaborative effort to address the systemic issues that continue to plague First Nations communities.
Joanna Bernard, AFN Regional Chief for New Brunswick, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical need for action. “When the final report was released, there was much hope for change. As we reflect on the past five years, it’s clear that preventing violence against First Nations women, girls, and gender-diverse peoples remains an urgent priority,” she said. Bernard also highlighted the alarming issue of over-incarceration, noting, “This overrepresentation in correctional institutions is connected to the same issues that lead to increased violence against First Nations women and two-spirited individuals.”
Duane Aucoin, AFN 2SLGBTQ+ Council Representative for the Yukon region, brought attention to the compounded risks faced by 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. “2S lgbtqqi+ people face compounded risks due to the intersection of race and gender identity. Policing agencies must understand and address these unique challenges,” he stated. Aucoin also stressed the lack of progress in ensuring the safety of 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, mentioning, “Out of the 32 calls for justice for 2S+ peoples, not one has been implemented.”
The calls for justice, as outlined in the MMIWG report, span various sectors including government, policing, healthcare, and community services. The failure to implement these calls has had a profound impact on the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. Chief Woodhouse Nepinak urged Canadians to stand in solidarity, saying, “We look to you for your support, your guidance, your love, your kindness. We feel you when you send us such love, and we look to continue to walk with you.”
The press conference also addressed the issue of preserving evidence related to the Robert Pickton case, with families calling for the evidence to be maintained for the sake of closure and justice. “Families are calling for that. I know it’s been a very raw weekend, and interestingly enough, we had sent a letter last week calling to preserve that evidence because families are calling for that,” said Chief Woodhouse Nepinak.
The urgent need for systemic change and meaningful action was a recurring theme throughout the event. “The government’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Women and Girls represents a historic low point. It echoes a persistent pattern of failure chronicled most recently in the Auditor General’s March 2024 report on Canada’s First Nations housing and policing programs,” Chief Woodhouse Nepinak noted.
The press conference concluded with a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle and the collective responsibility to bring about change. “We want to let all of the families and advocates know that we will never stop fighting for you. You are in our hearts, our minds, and our spirits. Your memories remain, and we will never forget. We will not stand by and let the government continue to ignore your calls for justice,” Chief Woodhouse Nepinak declared.