Four Indigenous groups say they are collaborating on a national data project focused on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people.
In a Monday news release, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak, the Ontario Native Women’s Association and 2 Spirits in Motion Society announced they are working together to create a national database on missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
“Police forces, child welfare systems and social services lack an understanding of their role in systemic violence, resulting in unreliable and inaccurate MMIWG2S+ data,” stated Kristen Gilchrist-Salles with Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak.
“We must put an end to the violent systems shaping this crisis – the data we collect will help us accomplish this.”
The organizations said the project will strengthen advocacy efforts and pressure governments to implement all 231 calls for justice issued by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
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“Despite the clear path laid out by the national inquiry, First Nations, Métis and Inuit women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse peoples are still dehumanized, devalued and targeted,” stated Nikki Komaksiutiksak, president and chief executive officer of Pauktuutit.
“By using data to shine a light on systemic gaps and injustices, this work aims to support long overdue accountability and strengthen safety, justice and healing in our communities,” added Cora McGuire-Cyrette, chief executive officer of the Ontario Native Women’s Association.
The groups said they are partnering with CDCI Research and Wampum Records on the project. The two research companies previously worked on the online data repository for the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
The Indigenous organizations said their project is currently focused on data collection. Over the coming year, they plan to establish guidelines around data use and form an independent advisory committee for the database.
The announcement of the project was issued on Red Dress Day, also known as also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.
