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UNB Piluwitahasuwin on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls National Inquiry

Author: UNB Newsroom

Posted on Jun 5, 2019

Category: UNB Fredericton

The following statement is shared by Amanda Reid Rogers, Piluwitahasuwin (Assistant Vice-President of Indigenous Engagement) at the University of New Brunswick.

UNB Piluwitahasuwin (Assistant VP of Indigenous Engagement), the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre, the Indigenous Student Representative and the President of the UNB Student Union acknowledge the release of the Final Report of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) National Inquiry.

Thank you to the families of MMIWG2S, Survivors, Elders and knowledge-holders, the Commissioners, and others involved in the instrumental work of the National Inquiry.

We wish to highlight a crucial message contained in the Final Report: “The legacies of those who no longer walk among us will not be forgotten as all Canadians have a moral obligation to share this sacred responsibility in breaking down systemic barriers, eliminating violence, and ultimately creating safer spaces for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA (Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual) people” (p. 1).

As part of truth and reconciliation, it is important for all Canadians to be aware of the legacy of colonization and systemic forms of violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA. Please read, understand, and find ways to support the 231 Calls to Justice put forward by the National Inquiry. We encourage everyone to view the MMIWG Final Report to learn more.

Post-secondary institutions in Canada have an obligation to educate about MMIWG2S, as well as the issues and root causes of violence. We will do our part in reviewing the Final Report and Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry. In addition, we will continue to educate and advocate through MWC’s annual Red Shawl Campaign.

Let us not forget the Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA who have gone before us and uphold the tireless efforts of those who continue to advocate.

If you need emotional assistance, please call 1-844-413-6649. It's a Canadian, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.