Provincial Government Marks the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Today, the Provincial Government is recognizing the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, our government acknowledges that violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is a national crisis. The Provincial Government will continue to work alongside Indigenous Governments and organizations to reduce and prevent gender-based violence in our province.

In addition to providing core operational funding to the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, the Office of Women and Gender Equality provides annual funding for the coordination of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Gathering. A final report based on the knowledge shared at the most recent Gathering, titled Hear Our Voices, was presented to government in July 2022.

Recommendations from Hear Our Voices are currently being reviewed for actions that may be taken to best address and prevent systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in our province. No actions will be taken by the Provincial Government on the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee’s recommendations without collaboration with the province’s Indigenous people.

Additionally, the Office of Women and Gender Equality continues to work with federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues to advance the National Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to creating a province that is safe for all people. Community agencies, Indigenous Governments and organizations and violence prevention advocates are key partners in the ongoing work to prevent violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Quotes
“Our Government is committed to truth and reconciliation, and an integral component of reconciliation is to advance work regarding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. As we reflect on the important work that lays ahead, we also honour the members of the Indigenous community who have experienced or who have had their lives stolen due to violence.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Our commitment to working with Indigenous Governments and organizations to implement the Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is grounded in listening, learning and understanding the experiences of Indigenous people – particularly Indigenous women and two spirit individuals. We want to be part of responsive actions that address root causes.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“As a government we continue to work to support initiatives that directly target violent behavior and fight the social normalization of violence. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our government will continue to work with our federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues to address violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in our province and country.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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Media contacts
Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca

Allan Bock
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

2022 10 04 3:15 pm