Indigenous Women Missing

Indigenous Women going missing

The issue of missing Indigenous women in Canada is a deeply concerning and complex issue that demands immediate attention and action. According to a report by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in 2014, there were 1,181 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women in Canada between 1980 and 2012. However, this number is likely an underestimate, as many cases go unreported or are not properly classified.

Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by this issue, making up as much as 25% of all missing women in Canada, despite comprising only 4% of the population.

The lack of reliable data and information on missing Indigenous women is a significant challenge in addressing this issue. Indigenous women are often underreported, and their cases are not properly investigated.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls reported that the actual number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada is likely much higher than reported, due to a lack of data and underreporting.

The national inquiry also highlighted systemic issues that contribute to the problem of missing Indigenous women, including systemic racism and discrimination, the legacy of residential schools, and a lack of resources and support for Indigenous communities. The inquiry found that Indigenous women are often subject to violence and discrimination in the justice system and are less likely to receive adequate support and services.

To address this issue, there have been several campaigns and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and addressing the root causes of the problem.

For example, the Red Dress Project is a campaign that aims to raise awareness of the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women by hanging red dresses in public spaces across Canada. The campaign serves as a powerful visual reminder of the impact of this issue on Indigenous communities.

Efforts to address the issue of missing Indigenous women have been slow and incomplete. While the national inquiry produced a comprehensive report with recommendations for action, many of these recommendations have yet to be implemented.

Furthermore, the issue of missing Indigenous women is still not receiving adequate attention and resources from the Canadian government.

According to the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Indigenous women are still going missing and being murdered at an alarming rate, with approximately 60 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women being reported every year. The organization estimates that this number is likely much higher due to underreporting and a lack of data.

The need for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of missing Indigenous women is critical. A national action plan could include measures to improve data collection and reporting, increase support for Indigenous communities, and address systemic discrimination and racism. The government of Canada needs to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to ensure that Indigenous women are protected and that their rights are respected.

In conclusion, the issue of missing Indigenous women in Canada is a complex and deeply concerning issue that requires urgent attention and action. Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by this issue, and the lack of reliable data and information is a significant challenge. Addressing the root causes of the problem, including systemic racism and discrimination, the legacy of residential schools, and a lack of resources and support for Indigenous communities, is crucial to finding a solution. A coordinated and comprehensive approach, such as a national action plan, is necessary to make progress and ensure justice for missing Indigenous women and their families.

To advocate for the issue of missing Indigenous women, individuals can support campaigns and initiatives aimed at raising awareness, such as the Red Dress Project. They can also advocate for a coordinated and comprehensive approach to addressing the issue by contacting their local representatives and urging them to take action.

The effect of missing Indigenous women on their families and communities is devastating, causing immense pain and trauma. It also perpetuates the systemic discrimination and racism faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada.

The root causes of the problem, including systemic discrimination, the legacy of residential schools, and a lack of resources and support for Indigenous communities, have created a dangerous environment for Indigenous women.

Addressing these root causes and implementing the recommendations from the national inquiry is crucial to finding a solution. This includes improving data collection and reporting, increasing support for Indigenous communities, and addressing systemic discrimination and racism.

Without urgent action and a coordinated effort, the issue of missing Indigenous women in Canada will continue to persist, causing harm to Indigenous communities and perpetuating systemic discrimination and racism.

Sources:

1. "Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls" - This report was published by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in 2019 and provides a comprehensive analysis of the issue and recommendations for action.

2. "Colonialism, Genocide, and Gender Violence: Indigenous Women as Victims and Agents" by Andrea Smith - This book provides a critical analysis of the issue of gender violence against Indigenous women and situates it within the context of colonialism and genocide.

3. "Indigenous Women, Feminism, and the Promise of Decolonial Love" by Dian Million - This book explores the intersections of Indigenous feminism and decolonization and offers a vision for transformative justice.

4. "The Redress Project: Stories of Survivors" by Jamie Black - This book features photographs and stories of the Red Dress Project, a public art installation that raises awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women.

5. "Indigenous Women and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples" edited by Sheryl Lightfoot - This book examines the impact of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on Indigenous women's rights and explores avenues for advocacy and action.

6. "Living on the Land: Indigenous Women's Understanding of Place" edited by Nathalie Kermoal and Isabel Altamirano-Jimenez - This book features the perspectives and experiences of Indigenous women from different regions of Canada and explores the relationships between Indigenous women, land, and culture.