Staff Reporter/ Evanie Han
According to “Families of MMIWG say police neglected, mishandled investigations in their cases” on CBC News, the horrific nature of Indigenous women going missing and being murdered is one that has its roots and foundation in US and Canadian colonialism and ongoing genocide of Native peoples. It is part of the spectrum of violence experienced by Native women for centuries.
Statistics on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW)
Native American women make up a significant portion of the missing and murdered cases. The national crime information center reports that, in 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls.
In addition, according to a survey from the urban Indian health institute, the murder rate is ten times higher than the national average for women living on reservations, which is the “third leading cause of death” for Native women. It is so startling that the youngest MMIW victim was a baby less than one year old and the oldest victim was an 83-year-old.
Origins of MMIW
Indigenous women and girls face disproportionately high rates of violence due to systemic factors such as poverty, poor housing, substance abuse and lack of access to adequate support services.
However, the severity of the tragedy is not only a result of these socioeconomic considerations, but more accurately a result of intergenerational trauma, racism and pervasive stereotypes that leave all Indigenous women and girls vulnerable to exploitation and violence, no matter their social status.
The historical context of settler colonialism has led to the ongoing sexualization of Indigenous women. Historically, Indigenous women were sexualized and held against dangerous cultural attitudes and stereotypes that permeate many facets of Canadian society.
Impacts of MMIW
Families of MMIW are impacted on multiple levels. There is widespread anger and sadness in First Nations communities. Sisters, wives, mothers, and daughters are gone from their families without clear answers. For Native Americans, this adds one more layer of trauma to the existing wounds that cannot heal.
Taking Actions for Change
Thankfully, Natives and non-Natives are working together through dozens of organizations to give voice to the MMIW. Women are finding innovative ways to sound their voices on this issue. Around 2015, MMIW found itself as a movement in Canada, advocating for the end of violence against Native women. Since this time, the MMIW movement has grown and is gaining momentum.
More importantly, there has been increasing political attention to this issue at the federal level. On October 10, 2020, Savanna’s Act and Not Invisible Act were signed into law to address the MMIW crisis. The passage of Savanna’s Act and Not Invisible Act are small but important steps in the right direction to provide justice for MMIW and for all Native people who have experienced violence in their lives.
The MMIW Red Hand
A red hand across the mouth has become the symbol of the growing MMIW movement, which represents all the missing sisters whose voices are not heard. This powerful image aims to stand up for the silence of the media and law enforcement in the midst of the crisis. Beyond politics and detective work, the red handprint has found its way into art and fashion as a way to raise awareness.
MMIW Day
May 5 is a national day of awareness for MMIW. This is an important time to raise awareness of the devastating epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and girls. Every year, many people around the world wear red to call for action to end the violence and to restore balance to this world.
On that day, red dresses are usually hung in public spaces to symbolize the MMIW. They serve as a visceral reminder of the thousands of Indigenous women who have been victims of violence. It is a powerful way to support survivors and work towards a future where Indigenous women and girls can live free from violence and discrimination.
Connection to Gleneagle Students
Healing the wounds of history still remains a daunting task for the Canadian government. With over 1,000 cases of MMIW recorded from 1980 to 2012, the prevalence of violence towards Indigenous women is a national tragedy. The legacy of MMIW continues to affect the well-being of survivors and their descendants.
Hence, informed citizens should come together across Canada to honor MMIW and stand alongside their families to offer support. People can cope with the ongoing crisis of violence by actively seeking out and acknowledging these hidden histories, participating in MMIW Day activities, raising their voices and demanding continued action from all levels of government to prevent the loss of native women. This is the key to a lifelong education to support Indigenous women and First Nations communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, violent crimes against Native women are alarming, and they often receive very little attention from law enforcement and the media. Therefore, persistent and ongoing actions are necessary to get the genocide recognized and addressed. People should show solidarity with Indigenous communities and contribute to the collective effort to bring justice to the victims.
Source:
text:
image:
