SCO Launches Fifth Annual Campaign to Honour MMIWG2S+

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is announcing the launch of our fifth annual multi-media public education and awareness campaign to draw attention to the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+). This announcement is being made ahead of the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+ on October 4.

“Anishinaabe and Dakota women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people are sacred. They are loved and valued. They are essential leaders, protectors, and caregivers for our SCO member Nations,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The national emergency of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse people has left an ongoing mark on our Nations. As we honour the Survivors and raise awareness ahead of the National Day of Action, we give our support, hopes for healing, and prayers to all the families who mourn loved ones lost to gender-based violence.”

Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual relatives, along with those who have additional sexual orientations and gender identities (2SLGBTQQIA+), are disproportionately targeted for violence, with rates of homicide over three times higher than among non-Indigenous peoples.

According to Statistics Canada (2021), about half of all homicide victims in Manitoba were Indigenous. Nearly half of Indigenous victims were women or girls. This was the third highest rate in Canada, and significantly higher than the national average.

Earlier this year, the late Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran of Long Plain First Nation were located in the Prairie Green Landfill near Winnipeg. A previously unidentified woman, identified by the spirit named Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman), was later revealed to be the late Ashlee Shingoose of St. Theresa Point First Nation. A search for Ashlee Shingoose, a member of Pine Creek First Nation, will take place at the Brady Road Landfill. Efforts will include searching for Tanya Nepinak, who has been missing since 2011 and is also believed to be in the Brady Road Landfill.

“Morgan Harris and Marcedes Myran were loved. We will continue to say their names to remember and honour them. We are grateful these community members were located following a long fight by their families and supporters who demanded a search of the landfill,” said Chief David Meeches of Long Plain First Nation. “There is much more work to be done to address the ongoing violence against our First Nation relatives.”

SCO offers a variety of supports, resources, education, and information to assist Nations and citizens on the national crisis of MMIWG2S+. Please contact the MMIWG2S+ Intake email at mmiwgintake@scoinc.mb.ca or call 431-294-0366.

“There are 231 Calls for Justice resulting from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Every single Call for Justice must be fulfilled,” said Chief Lisa Young of Bloodvein First Nation. “Our lives matter and we will continue to do all we can to create a future where our loved ones are safe, valued, protected, and able to live free from harm.”

SCO encourages everyone to read the 231 Calls for Justice and to find ways on how you can contribute in ending this national emergency. The full list of the Calls for Justice is available on the National Inquiry website, or in person at the SCO office at 1572 Dublin Avenue in Winnipeg.

“Our people our sacred. It is essential for all levels of government to work in unity and with urgency on implementing the 231 Calls for Justice that came out of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,” shared Chief Tréchelle Bunn of Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation. “Earlier this week, we witnessed incredible support from Manitobans on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I encourage all those who stood with us on Orange Shirt Day to learn more about the connection between the national emergency of MMIWG2S+ and the legacy of residential schools. Everyone has a part to play in creating a safer society.”

If any SCO Nations are experiencing a crisis or emergency related to gender-based violence, they can reach out to SCO’s Mobile Crisis Response Team. To reach out, contact the team toll-free at 1-877-SCO-2880 (1-877-726-2880) or by email at: crisisresponse@scoinc.mb.ca

If anyone requires immediate emotional support as we honour MMIWG2S+, please call the national, independent toll-free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak with a counsellor. This service is available in English, Anishinaabemowin, and Cree.

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 32 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

For media inquiries:

Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca

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