The Ontario MMIWGT2S Loved Ones Commemoration Committee (OLOCC) is consists of mothers, sisters, grandmothers, daughters, and aunties who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
We each have our own story to share. Our goal is to have two Memorial Monuments in Ontario, one in the Northern region and one in the Southern region.
The Ontario MMIWGT2S (OLOCC) is seeking input from all families and LGBTQ2S in Ontario who would like to be involved in this process. The National Inquiry released an interim report on November 2018, followed by the release of the Final Report on June 3, 2019.
One of the recommendations from the interim report was the establishment of a commemoration fund. In responding to this recommendation, the Government of Canada established the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commemoration Fund (MMIWGCF). The objectives of the Commemoration Fund are to honour the lives and legacies of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and LGBTQ2S individuals; and, increase awareness.
The stated purpose of this is to support Indigenous organizations to work with families, survivors and/or communities to develop and implement commemoration initiatives to honor their lives.
Whitefish River First Nation applied for funding to work with families in the design, development, and installation of two monuments in Ontario. The Government of Canada has committed $50,000 towards this project, efforts will be made to raise a further $50,000 to ensure the two monuments reflect and commemorate the loss of our loved ones, support healing, create awareness to instill change to address this national tragedy and to advance reconciliation.
Communities can get involved and provide additional public/media support to raise awareness about the purpose of the monuments and bring changes needed to address this national issue. The national scope of awareness will provide opportunities across the country for families of the MMIWGT2S and LGBTQ2S along with Canadians to visit the sites, offer prayers, and pay tribute to the lives of our loved ones.
These monuments will be long-lasting structures that will endure throughout time and remain as a visible sign to passersby that our lost Indigenous Women, Girls, and LGBTQ2S were loved, cherished and will never be forgotten. The final stage of the Commemoration initiative will be the unveiling ceremonies and dedication at the two monument locations. The suggested date is Sunday, October 4, 2020. In addition to the monuments, MMIWGT2S families are invited to participate in the building of Legacy Quilts.
The Legacy Quilts will be proudly displayed in the community schools to serve as a reminder to youth about the ongoing issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and girls and LGBTQ2S individuals.
For further information on how to get involved with the Legacy Quilts, the design of the Monuments or submitting your opinions on various related topics (see “Suggestions for Design & Locations” the deadline is January 31st, 2020 by midnight), or to donate, or to volunteer, please contact The Ontario MMIWGT2S Loved Ones Commemorative Committee.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Northern email: ONNorthMMIWG@gmail.com
Region Leads: Maria Swain, Jessie McDonald
Southern email: ONSouthMMIWG@gmail.com
Region Leads: Linda John, Jacqueline Gagnon
