Ending Discrimination

TWLH-Oct-1

July 13, 2017

[[{“fid”:”1368″,”view_mode”:”default”,”fields”:{“format”:”default”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:”Sisters in Sprit logo”,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:false},”type”:”media”,”field_deltas”:{“1”:{“format”:”default”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:”Sisters in Sprit logo”,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:false}},”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“alt”:”Sisters in Sprit logo”,”style”:”height: 244px; width: 250px; float: left;”,”class”:”media-element file-default”,”data-delta”:”1″}}]]Each year, the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and Families of Sisters in Spirit (FSIS) organize vigils to remember the missing and murdered indigenous women in this country. Family members, Indigenous community members, and concerned citizens gather together to stand together in solidarity, raise awareness, demand action, and provide support to those who have lost love ones.

Between 1980 and 2012, the RCMP reported close to 1,200 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada (although many working on the front lines believe the number is much higher). While they make up only 4% of Canada’s female population, Indigenous women and girls make up over 16% of female homicides and 11% of missing women.

What began with eleven vigils in 2006 has grown to over 200 vigils today, in communities across Canada, including a vigil on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

In response to calls from Indigenous families, communities and organizations, including unions and the Canadian Labour Congress, the Government of Canada launched an independent National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in September 2016.

[[{“fid”:”1370″,”view_mode”:”default”,”fields”:{“format”:”default”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:false,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:false},”type”:”media”,”field_deltas”:{“2”:{“format”:”default”,”field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]”:false,”field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]”:false}},”link_text”:null,”attributes”:{“style”:”font-size: 13.008px; height: 266px; width: 400px;”,”class”:”media-element file-default”,”data-delta”:”2″}}]]

In response, the CLC stated:

“We must ensure the inquiry addresses the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, such as racism, sexism and misogyny so that it truly does result in justice and meaningful change.

Canada’s unions will stand in solidarity with Indigenous women, girls and their communities both as the inquiry is underway and beyond to help ensure our country truly addresses the root causes of violence against Indigenous women.

We will also continue to urge the government to implement strategies that include clean water, affordable housing, accessible education and poverty reduction in Inuit, First Nations and Métis communities.”
(
news release, 02-21-2017)

NWAC has created a quarterly report card about the inquiry to encourage transparency and to measure its progress.

 

  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada must address systemic racism and discrimination in the workforce

    March 21, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada can deliver gender justice for women by improving care

    March 8, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Pink Shirt Day: 2SLGBTQI+ kids should be free to be themselves

    February 28, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Statement by Bea Bruske: Canada’s unions are calling out Alberta Premier’s attempt to use trans and gender-diverse children, youth and adults to score political points

    February 1, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • CLC Executive Committee reiterates its support for ITUC’s call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

    January 16, 2024
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Canada’s unions: confronting hate is a shared responsibility

    December 10, 2023
    Click to open the link
  • Gender Equality
  • Never Again: Canada’s Unions Mark December 6 with Call to End Gender-Based Violence

    December 6, 2023
    Click to open the link
  • Ending Discrimination
  • Angelo Tocco – Winner of the 2023 Carol McGregor CLC Disability Rights Award

    December 3, 2023
    Click to open the link
  • Gender Equality
  • Violence and harassment should never be “just part of the job”

    November 25, 2023
    Click to open the link