Musqueam Lands (Vancouver, BC) – October 4, 2024 – On this National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse People (MMIWG2S+), a new Circle dedicated to addressing the crisis has been announced.
Formed by the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the Trans Mountain Expansion and Existing Pipeline (IAMC-TMX), the Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development aims to tackle the complex connections between resource development and violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.
The Circle is calling on federal leaders to participate in a ceremony today at the Musqueam Cultural Centre to deepen understanding of this ongoing crisis and commit to accelerating progress on Calls for Justice 13.1-13.5 from the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+.
“It is critical that we fully understand the connection between resource development, violence, poverty, policing, displacement and forced relocation, marine shipping, transportation, human trafficking, and how they contribute to MMIWG2S+,” said a representative of the Circle.
“This cycle, enabled by systemic barriers and gaps, is disproportionately harming Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people. This is why it is so important that we have collaboration and commitment from all parties to act on these issues with the urgency, intersectionality and respect that they deserve.”
This initiative builds on the work of the IAMC-TMX’s Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC), which has been addressing the impacts of resource development on Indigenous communities since 2018. The SESC is the only initiative listed in the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People that responds to all five MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice on Resource Development.
The Circle is co-chaired by Dr. Tracy Friedel and Trina Sxwithul’txw and includes prominent Indigenous women, MMIWG2S+ advocates, and Chiefs.
Dr. Friedel emphasized the need for systemic change: “Our work on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project over the past several years has taught us that efforts to address race and gender-based discrimination and violence associated with resource development requires systemic change. Now is a time for action.”
Violet Meguinis, a member of the Circle, added: “We may not bring closure to the families of the missing and murdered but it is our intent within our work to provide a symbolic ‘home fire’ so these ‘spirits’ can start their journey to justice and healing… we are committed to doing our best.”
Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, Chair of the National Family and Survivors Circle Inc., stressed the importance of collaboration: “Addressing the Calls for Justice related to the resource extractive industry requires genuine collaboration among all stakeholders… Together, we must ensure that the voices of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people are not only heard but actively shape the policies and practices that impact their lives.”
Zoe Craig-Sparrow, a member of the Circle, highlighted the historical context: “Indigenous women and girls have been subjected to violence and displacement in the interest of natural resource development since colonization. The National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+ could not be more clear: urgent action must be taken to address the connections between MMIWG2S+ and the resource extraction and development industry.”
Melissa Moses, founder of Nicola Valley Muay Thai, called for an end to the cycle of violence: “Our Indigenous women and girls have been calling for action on MMIWG2S+ for decades… The cycle of violence between resource extraction, work camps, displacement, and human trafficking must be stopped.”
Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam Indian Band expressed his support: “As Chief of Musqueam, I stand with our Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people on this National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+… We call on all leaders to join us in this work.”
Chief George Lampreau of Simpcw First Nation emphasized the need for action from federal leaders: “We know the issues are there, and we have the Calls for Justice 13.1-13.5 that outline them, now we need federal leaders to commit to meaningful action and funding to finally begin to prevent them.”
Chief Marcel Shackelly of Nooaitch Indian Band pledged his support for Indigenous women’s leadership: “As an Indigenous man… I will stand beside our Indigenous women and help create a safe space for their leadership on this work. Their voices and wisdom must be followed, respected, and acted upon by all leaders if we are to meaningfully and expeditiously address the MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, recognized the importance of the Circle: “The establishment of the Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development represents a vital step in addressing the profound impacts of resource development on Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people, and putting violence against them to an end.”
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, affirmed the government’s commitment: “Together, with Indigenous partners and communities, we are committed to doing the work needed to stop the violence and make spaces safer.”
The establishment of this Circle marks a significant step towards addressing the urgent and complex issue of MMIWG2S+ in the context of resource development. It is a call to action for all Canadians to work together to create a safer and more just future for Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.
