Opinion: 'We must recognize that violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada is systemic, and very often perpetuated by the systems intended to serve and protect them,' writes Cora McGuire-Cyrette. 'This must stop.'
are a national tragedy, another example of racism and hate. It is this hate and disrespect that continues to put the safety of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people at risk — with ongoing genocide its direct result.
We must stand in unity with the families in Manitoba who are grieving the loss of their loved ones, and all those who continue to search for their missing women and girls. It is time for Canadians to change the story of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people. A 2020 report by the Ontario Native Women’s Association ,, made critical recommendations. These must be integrated into the National Action Plan, along with every plan in each province and territory, and implemented without further delays.
As the executive director of the ONWA, the oldest and largest Indigenous women’s agency in Canada, our focus is to empower and support all Indigenous women. Indigenous women know what they need to be safe. Ending violence against them and their families, along with ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship and economic development, sits at the cornerstone of what we do.