(Taykwa Tagamou Nation, ON – May 05, 2021) – Today, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald issued the following statement on Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG):
“Each year on May 5, we mark the annual Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls by wearing red and honouring the lives of the lost women and girls across Canada,” said Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald. “Today, I am encouraging all to participate and stand with us in honouring the lives lost while forging a path toward a gender-balanced, safe space for all Indigenous women and girls, where they will be treated with dignity and respect always.”
“In the federal budget released on April 19, 2021, the liberals committed $2.2 billion over five years and $160.9 million each year to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls. As we approach the second anniversary of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls releasing its final report titled “Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,” it is imperative that we continue to ensure that Indigenous women and girls are safe and protected. I call on the Federal government to make certain that the report is quickly actioned in a substantive way moving forward. We need justice and a concrete action plan rooted in a ‘families first,’ solutions-based approach that addresses the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women.
I look forward to continuing this important work alongside the federal and provincial governments to address the high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls and continue to be 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. I will continue to advocate and call for accountability and responsibility to end this national tragedy.
On May 5, I encourage all to attend one of the many virtual candlelight vigils to honour the lives and memories of all the Indigenous women and girls and their families.”
Ninanaskamon!
Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald
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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 or Twitter @ChiefsOfOntario.
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