October 4, 2024—On this National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+), the National Family and Survivors Circle Inc. (NFSC Inc.) honors the lives lost and stands in solidarity with the families and communities who continue to suffer unimaginable grief and trauma. Today, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, healing, and meaningful change where it matters most—on the ground.
The time for action is now. NFSC Inc. has consistently called for the urgent implementation of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Final Report Calls for Justice 1.7 and 1.10 as foundational steps toward creating lasting, systemic change. Call for Justice 1.7 calls for an independent, accountable, and adequately resourced oversight body to ensure that the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG Final Report are fully implemented. Call 1.10 emphasizes the need for a National Indigenous Human Rights Ombudsperson and Tribunal for accountability. These mechanisms are essential to upholding the rights of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and we continue to push for their implementation alongside a nationwide Red Dress Alert to prevent further tragedies.
In 2021, as part of our contribution to the National Action Plan on MMIWG2S+, we advocated for international oversight while Canada works to establish the Office of the Ombudsperson as outlined in Call 1.7. Most recently, in July 2024, NFSC Inc. reiterated this need in a written submission to the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples during the 17th Session of the UN Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Later this month, at the 89th Session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, NFSC Inc. will again emphasize the urgency of international oversight and demand transparent, annual progress reporting. Canada must be held accountable to its legal obligations under the 231 Calls for Justice—these are not optional, they are imperative for upholding the rights and safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
But international oversight alone is not enough. This work must extend beyond election cycles and political rhetoric. It requires unwavering, long-term commitment from all levels of government—including Indigenous governments. Without the political will to act, the responsibilities and promises made to Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people remain empty, and lives continue to be tragically taken. The urgency of this ongoing genocide demands immediate, collective action. Our fight for justice and for the full recognition of the rights of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is far from over.
Today, we call on everyone—from government officials to community leaders and the public—to join us in demanding national and international oversight to ensure real accountability and sustained action. Together, we can build a safer, more just Canada, where the rights of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are respected, upheld, protected, and empowered.
We understand that this subject matter is difficult for many people in our community. If you require immediate support, please contact the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available in English, French, Cree, Anishnaabemowin (Ojibway), and Inuktitut.
About the National Family and Survivors Circle, Inc.
The NFSC Inc. is a legally incorporated, non-profit organization comprised of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations, women from diverse backgrounds who use their lived expertise to advocate for centering the voices of families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and girls, survivors of gender-based violence, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in the implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice, the National Action Plan on MMIWG2S+, and the Federal Pathway.
NFSC Inc website: https://familysurvivorscircle.ca/
Media Inquiries: info@familysurvivorscircle.ca