(December 6, 2019) Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald and the Chiefs of Ontario acknowledge the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6, 2019, and we remember the massacre of 14 female students at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal, thirty years ago today on December 6, 1989, by an act of gender-based violence. Today, we mourn the loss and honour the memory of the missing and murdered Indigenous women, and every woman, girl, and people of diverse gender identities that continue to face violence and discrimination based on their gender.

“This is a day to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence,” said Ontario Regional Chief, RoseAnne Archibald. “While also commemorating and honouring the lives of those 14 young women, and ensuring that this will never happen again.”

In 1991, the Parliament of Canada announced December 6 to be the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women. This day represents a time to reflect on the violence and discrimination faced by women in our society and across the world. It is also a day for our communities and individuals to come together to heal and speak out against  violence against women and its subsequent impact on victims and their families and friends.

“The Chiefs of Ontario have been working towards combating all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination within our communities and we want to ensure that we are fully involved in the development of a coordinated and comprehensive National Action Plan to implement the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, one that is based on the promotion and prevention of all forms of violence and founded on community-based approaches that will address the high rates violence and discrimination felt by women, girls and all people of diverse genders.

I’m echoing my previous statement this week, “Justice must be high on the agenda of the new parliament.’ We must continue this dialogue and call for accountability and responsibility and forge a gender-balanced safe space for all.

As we stand behind the families today and keep the missing and murder Indigenous women and girls in our minds and hearts, we must continue to on this journey and work together toward a more just and inclusive environment where the youth can grow up knowing they are valued and free from all forms of gender-based violence. Today, I encourage all to attend a candlelight vigil and honour the lives and memories of all who have been harmed or lost due to senseless violence, discrimination, and misogyny. “

Ninanaskamon,

Ontario Regional Chief, RoseAnne Archibald

“As Canada stands against the horrendous atrocities committed towards women on December 6, 1989, in Montreal, the Ontario First Nations Women’s Caucus stands against all the gender-based genocidal violence, terrorism and crimes committed against Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) across Turtle Island. As revealed in the National Inquiry Report on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, these tragedies have occurred far too often and have been unnoticed by Canada for far too long. We share in your passion as we say, Not One More Death; Not One More Motherless Child…Not One More! We are working on breathing life into MMIWG Calls for Justice to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. Canada, will you stand beside us?”

Sandra Montour

Six Nations, Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services

Ontario First Nations Women’s Caucus

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The Chiefs of Ontario is a political forum and a secretariat for collective decision-making, action, and advocacy for the 133 First Nation communities located within the boundaries of the province of Ontario, Canada. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.

Chiefs of Ontario – Media Contact:
Genna Benson
Communications Officer
Telephone: 416-523-4020
Email: Genna.Benson@coo.org