NAN Supports Leadership Calling for Action on 5th Anniversary of MMIWG Final Report

THUNDER BAY, ON: Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum support calls to accelerate progress following a press conference marking the fifth anniversary of the release of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Final Report:

“We acknowledge the women, girls, and everyone taken from their families through acts of violence and unexplained circumstances. Our hearts and prayers are with the families who are suffering and continue to grieve.

It has been five years since the Final Report documented the horrific violence that Indigenous women and girls face daily. A lot of work has gone into developing the priorities and actions needed to support the unique needs for safety and healing for the women, girls, and other vulnerable citizens in our communities, but little meaningful action has been taken.

There was great hope for change as governments and other institutions pledged serious action when the Final Report was released. Five years later, however, we are disappointed and frustrated that only two of the 231 Calls for Justice have been fully implemented. That is simply unacceptable and a stark reminder that the real work necessary to keep our people safe rarely follows the promises made.

We acknowledge the efforts of AFN National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, former National Inquiry Commissioners, and all leaders who spoke today. We fully support these efforts to hold government and agencies responsible for their failure to protect our vulnerable members and provide the justice and healing their families deserve. We join them in calling on all governments and agencies to increase resources and redouble efforts to work with First Nations to fully implement all Calls for Justice.”

The basic human right to safety and justice are violated daily for First Nations citizens in Canada. Countless inquests and reports have identified these issues and proposed solutions, including the Final Report, but there has not been any significant action taken. This includes such basic things as funding community-based prevention initiatives such as safe places for women and girls to escape abusive relationships, especially in remote First Nations communities.

For more information please contact:
Michael Heintzman,
Director of Communications
Cell: (807) 621-2790
mheintzman@nan.ca