Taking care

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line is a national, toll-free, 24/7 crisis call line that provides support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.

Trauma-informed support is also available to all those impacted by the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Health and Cultural Support Program. The program funds access to cultural support (e.g., Elders, Knowledge Holders, and Traditional Healers), emotional support (e.g., community-based health workers, peer supports), and registered mental health counsellors (e.g., psychologists, and social workers).

October 4, 2024 — Winnipeg, Manitoba — Treaty 1 Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis

Every day in this country, Indigenous families, relatives, friends and communities mourn the loss of their missing and murdered loved one from violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people.

Today, on Sisters in Spirit Day, we honour the memory of the thousands who have gone missing or been murdered, and accelerate efforts to put this violence to an end.

With a $ 1.3 million investment from the federal government, we are taking a large step forward to a safer Manitoba and nation, under the guidance and leadership of Giganawenimaanaanig. Together, we are advancing the Red Dress Alert pilot.

Feedback received from engagement sessions with National Indigenous Organizations, regional organizations, technical experts, family members and survivors, and grassroots service providers, have made it clear that fast action is needed. Under Giganawenimaanaanig, this important work will remain rooted in cultural competency, community empowerment, and holistic approaches to healing and justice. Building on previous engagement sessions, this next stages of implementation planning will continue to ensure regionally-specific perspectives and ideas from across the province are reflected in the pilot.

We are working closely with Indigenous partners at the national, regional and grassroots levels, families and survivors, and provincial and territorial counterparts, to ensure an alert system reflects the needs of Indigenous Peoples across the country.