More action needed on calls for justice, survivor says on MMIWG Awareness Day
It’s been more than two years since 231 Calls for Justice were released, but advocates and First Nations leaders say not enough progress has been made to help stop the genocide identified by the National Inquiry.
On Monday, people across the province marked Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day – a day aimed at remembering and honouring victims and families – with walks and vigils.
On the day of awareness, survivor Rachel Willan paused to reflect at a monument at The Forks honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
“It’s tough having trauma,” Willan said. “It’s tough going to bed at night. We have to live with it and keep going every day.”
Willan testified during the National Inquiry as a survivor of violence. Two years later, she feels not enough progress has been made to implement the inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice.
“If we’re crying out for help we should not be judged, we should be further helped,” Willan said.
In 2017, Manitoba declared Oct. 4 as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day.
Organizers of Monday’s Soles on Fire five-kilometre run and walk said it is incumbent upon all people, not just Indigenous people, to learn more about the recommendations made by the National Inquiry.
That is why they made up signs — each containing one of the 231 Calls for Justice and a QR code — to set up at The Forks and along the walk’s route.
“It’s not to be in your face, but it’s just to be gently reminding people that this is still occurring on our land and we want to have allies,” said Angela Lavallee, organizer of the Soles on Fire walk. “We want people to start having that conversation so that no more of our Indigenous women and girls are violated.”
In an online survey of First Nations people in southern Manitoba, 80 per cent of the 86 respondents said they are either a family member or friend of a missing or murdered Indigenous woman, girl or person or a survivor of violence.
Grand Chief Jerry Daniels of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, which conducted the survey said the results point to a larger problem of the impact of colonial systems on Indigenous people.
“People aren’t made vulnerable through who they are or their families, they’re made vulnerable through public perception and policy that has created a circumstance where people are in poverty, people are susceptible or vulnerable to addictions,” Daniels said.
The Manitoba government said there are a variety of initiatives underway to support the Calls for Justice, including $6.4 million earmarked in April for 24 community organizations to help victims.
But as a survivor, Willan feels little has changed since the inquiry ended.
“So while our people are out there suffering with mental health and addictions, being further exploited and further harmed we need preventative measures being put in place right now.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.