As today we participate in the closing ceremony of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, our hearts are heavy. Heavy with mourning for those who have died, whose absence demands memory and honour. Heavy with compassion for those who remain, families and friends whose lives continue to be deeply marked by grief. Heavy in recognition of a “crisis centuries in the making,” (19) a Canadian genocide caused by settler colonial policies. Heavy in acknowledgement of the deep connections between the violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse persons in Canada, and that known only too well by KAIROS’ partners around the globe. Finally, heavy with gratitude for all those who contributed to revealing the truth —leadership, health support workers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, those who felt able to testify, and so many more. Today we commit to mourn, to honour, to listen, to accept, and to act. We entreat all Canadians to read the report, to commemorate the lost, and to do what is necessary to close the huge gaps in health, safety, human security, and access to justice between Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA persons, and others living in Canada. It is beyond time for justice. It is beyond time for transformation.
Read the Executive Summary of the Report- https://aptnnews.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/FINAL-REPORT-SUMMARY.pdf–
Full Report- https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/
