Foundation to help MMIWG2S+
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/10/2023 (758 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A new foundation that aims to provide tools, education and resources to combat the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited individuals across Canada has launched in Gambler First Nation.
The John James Tanner Legacy Foundation was announced via a press release sent out by Gambler First Nation, located 178 kilometres northwest of Brandon, on Tuesday, one day before the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), as well as 2SLGBTQQIA people.
John and James Tanner were historic leaders of Gambler First Nation, Chief David LeDoux said in the release.
Gambler First Nation chief David LeDoux, pictured here speaking at the Critical Minerals Strategy announcement at Sandvik Mining on July 25, has announced a new foundation that will provide tools, education and resources to combat the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited individuals across Canada. (File)
“Their legacy inspires this initiative, turning our ancestors’ wisdom into the vision for the future.”
The ongoing crisis of MMIWG casts a dark shadow over Canada, and the foundation represents a step toward a brighter and more just future, LeDoux said. It also signifies the First Nation’s commitment to the well-being of all Indigenous people, he added.
“The issue of MMIWG2S+ is often labeled as a ‘First Nations’ problem, but we know this isn’t accurate. There are many contributing factors to the MMIWG2S+ crisis, and as First Nations, we have a responsibility to care for one another,” LeDoux said.
The statistics around the MMIWG2S+ crisis are dire, according to the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, whose website states that Indigenous women are four times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence.
Indigenous women make up 16 per cent of all homicide victims and 11 per cent of missing women, yet Indigenous people make up only 4.3 per cent of the population of Canada.
Women who are Indigenous are twice as likely to experience violence from their current or former partner, at a rate of 13 per cent, a proportion twice as high as non-Indigenous people at 5.7 per cent.
Fifty-six per cent of Indigenous women have suffered physical assault, and 46 per cent have experienced sexual assault. By comparison, about one-third of non-Indigenous women have suffered such assaults during their lifetimes.
The Sun contacted Gambler First Nation for more details on the foundation but did not hear back by press time.
» mleybourne@brandonsun.com
» X: @miraleybourne