The Units work directly with families to gather information they seek from government agencies and address outstanding questions about the loss of their loved ones. They will work directly with family members to coordinate information gathering from government agencies and services, including:

• the criminal justice system (police, prosecutions, corrections);
• social services;
• child protection;
• health services; and
• other Family Information Liaison Units across the country. 

Specialized police-based victim services that provide dedicated, culturally responsive assistance to family members of missing or murdered Aboriginal women typically include Family Liaison Coordinators and Missing Person Liaison Officers

On June 5, 2018, the Government of Canada announced additional funding to extend the timelines for the Units. They will now be available until March 31, 2020.

Supporting Families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

In Canada, the rate of violent victimization of Indigenous people is more than double that of non-Indigenous people, and the numbers are particularly concerning when it comes to Indigenous women and girls.

The causes are many and rooted in the legacy of colonial policies and the intergenerational effects of residential schools. Investing in specialized victim services that support families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls is an important part of the healing journey.

The Department of Justice Canada provides funding for initiatives that support families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls through community-based organizations that provide culturally-grounded grief and trauma supports for families. 

These initiatives are a response to what was heard during the pre-Inquiry engagement from survivors, families and loved ones affected by this long-standing national tragedy .