Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs releases “Families First: A Manitoba Indigenous Approach to Addressing the Issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls”. Many of the recommendations made by families of MMIWG, Elders, youth and the MMIWG Coalition are consistent with those made by many reports over many years. The recommendations include:
- Supports – More supports should be made available to the families of MMIWG that are culturally, spiritually and religiously diverse.
- Honouring Loved Ones – Measures should be taken to ensure the memory of loved ones are respected and honoured. This includes making funding available for gathering stories, annual feasts, walks, vigils and memorials.
- Cultural Reconnection – There should be more opportunities for Indigenous people to learn about their culture and healthy relationships for example through parenting and language programs.
- Interconnected Systems (Policing, Justice and CFS agencies) – The accountability and effectiveness of the child welfare system should be improved with direct involvement of Indigenous people.