NationTalk: ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — Today, on the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two Spirit, and Gender-Diverse people (MMIWG2S+), the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is announcing the launch of our fourth annual multi-media public education and awareness campaign to draw attention to the national epidemic of MMIWG2S+.
“Colonization created a culture where our people were seen as disposable. Today, the ripple effects exist in the ongoing violence that has impacted countless families, left a trail of grief, unanswered questions, and unresolved injustices against our women, girls, two spirit, and gender-diverse relatives,” said SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The trauma and loss has left a lasting mark on our Nations. As we honour the victims and raise awareness on this National Day of Action, we give our support, hopes for healing, and prayers to all the families who mourn loved ones lost to this senseless violence.”
In August, an admitted serial killer was found guilty in four cases of first-degree murder in the deaths of Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and an unidentified woman, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe (Buffalo Woman).
“We will always honour the memories of our four First Nations sisters, mothers, and daughters who we lost in this horrific crime,” said Long Plain Chief David Meeches. “While we welcomed the guilty verdict, so much more is clearly needed to address the ongoing violence against our First Nation relatives. A crucial step is searching the landfill for our Long Plain sisters Marcedes and Morgan. We must bring our loved one’s home to their families, where they belong.”
SCO’s MMIWG2S+ campaign will be seen on billboards through southern Manitoba, including in Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin, Selkirk, and Morden, and on bus boards and transit shelters in Winnipeg and Brandon.
“There are 231 Calls for Justice which came out of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We won’t stop calling for action until every single Call to Action is fulfilled. 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,” concluded Grand Chief Daniels.
SCO encourages everyone to read the Calls to Justice and to find your Call.
One of the foundational Calls for Justice is 1.7, which calls for the creation of a National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson. In 2023, SCO Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Moore Rattray was appointed Ministerial Special Representative on the implementation of Call for Justice 1.7. Her final report, delivered in 2024 and co-developed through engagements and validations with family members, Survivors, and more than 600 people representing more than 125 organizations and governments, compels the need for a new Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson as a much needed Indigenous-specific accountability mechanism for Canada.
SCO is a founding member of Giganawenimaanaanig, formerly the MMIWG2S+ Implementation Committee, a coalition of Indigenous organizations. The coalition is hosting an all day event starting at 8:30 am at Canad Inns Club Regent to discuss the Red Dress Alert system in Manitoba. When established, the Red Dress Alert will inform the public when an Indigenous woman, girl or 2SLGBTQI+ person goes missing. This initiative is set to enhance safety, respond to incidences of violence, provide support, and raise public awareness.
As part of this year’s MMIWG2S+ campaign, SCO is giving away candles, t-shirts, red dress pin beading kits, and Calls for Justice booklets. All items can be picked up at no cost from our sub-office at 1572 Dublin Avenue during regular office hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (closed 12 noon – 1 pm).
SCO offers support for traditional healing for those impacted by the epidemic of MMIWG2S+. Please contact traditionalhealers@scoinc.mb.ca or call 431-277-8608.
SCO’s Mobile Crisis Response Team is also available to assist Nations and citizens who are struggling. To reach out please contact toll free 1-877-SCO-2880 (1-877-726-2880) or crisisresponse@scoinc.mb.ca
If there is anyone who requires emotional support as we honour MMIWG2S+, please call the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. This service is available in English, Anishnaabemowin, and Cree.
Or please contact the Hope for Wellness toll free help line: 1.855.242.3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 33 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