05/05/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/05/2022 12:12
May 5 is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). It is a day to bring awareness and to recognize and honour the lost lives of Indigenous women and girls.
"Today we reflect on and honour the lives of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ that have tragically been cut short by gender-based violence. It is important that all Islanders recognize the disproportionate rates of violence committed against Indigenous women and girls. This day is about bringing awareness to MMIWG and reaffirming our commitment to addressing the Calls for Justice as we work tirelessly to end to gender-based violence in Prince Edward Island."
- Premier Dennis King
The Government of Prince Edward Island's annual status report, The Calls for Justice: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was tabled today in the Legislative Assembly. In the 2022 report, the four main priorities are education/training, health, housing and support for MMIWG work in communities.
In 2020, the Government of Prince Edward Island created the MMIWG Indigenous Working Group that is composed of government officials and representatives from Abegweit First Nation, Aboriginal Women's Association of PEI, Lennox Island First Nation, Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI and Native Council of PEI. For this year, the group recommended the report be more reflective of Indigenous culture and tradition with a new format more accessible and visually appealing with numerous images and illustrations.
Highlights of this year's MMIWG report include:
The Government of Prince Edward Island recognizes the importance of education and awareness in ending violence against Indigenous women and girls. The province will continue to advance initiatives and programs that support the implementation of the MMIWG Calls for Justice, while ensuring that ongoing education and awareness complements this important work.
Media Contact:
Nicole Yeba
Executive Council Office
Bilingual Senior Communications Officer
[email protected]