Coinciding with the fourth anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Provincial Government is highlighting its commitment to the prevention of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and will continue to work collaboratively with federal, provincial, and territorial colleagues to achieve this collective goal.
This past fall, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the formation of a Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council. The Provincial Government recognizes that in order to meaningfully and respectfully address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in the province, actions must be taken by, for, and with Indigenous peoples. Reconciliation Council membership has been confirmed with the goal of holding an inaugural meeting in the coming weeks.
Through Budget 2023, the Provincial Government has allocated more than $11 million to advance matters of mutual importance with Indigenous populations within Newfoundland and Labrador and take meaningful steps to strengthen communities, support reconciliation, and address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Tomorrow (June 3) marks the anniversary of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The day also coincides with the second anniversary of the release of a National Action Plan to drive transformative change to end systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada.
Quotes
“These days are important reminders of the progress that has been made to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, as well as the work that remains to be done. I share my appreciation for the work of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee, and the many Indigenous Governments and Organizations who are collaborating with us to advance this work. Together, our efforts will create a safer province for Indigenous peoples throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
“We are grateful for the ongoing advocacy of families and survivors who are bringing attention to the national tragedy of gender-based violence. This includes the strong voices from the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee and the work we are undertaking together through the newly-formed Reconciliation Council to address and prevent systemic violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals in the province.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“It has been two years since the National Action Plan was released based on the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. At the federal level, very little has been done to advance the 231 Calls to Justice. This inaction is contributing to the tragic loss of our Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. I feel confident that for Newfoundland and Labrador our partnership with the Provincial Government and our newly formed Reconciliation Council will help advance the needs of our Indigenous women and gender diverse peoples. This meaningful partnership and implementation on the 196 recommendations brought forward by our Indigenous women and gender diverse peoples will ensure our voices are being heard and bring about positive change to improve the realities of our peoples and communities.”
Dr. Elder Odelle Pike
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
“I’m pleased to see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador engaging with families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and working with them and organizations that put missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people as their priority. This is a positive step towards the commitments they made to us when they signed on as a partner in the Calls to Justice.”
Elder Charlotte Wolfrey
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council
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Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan
Office of Women and Gender Equality
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
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BACKGROUNDER
The National Action Plan was co-developed by governments and Indigenous organizations in collaboration with the National Family and Survivors Circle. The National Action Plan provides an overarching plan that identifies the necessary activities that must be taken by governments organizations, and communities across the country to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, wherever they are.