2015-01PU - Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women
Whereas:
- In 2012, the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) urged the Government of Canada to investigate and resolve unsolved cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women, bring perpetrators to justice, and address systemic violence affecting Aboriginal communities.
- Aboriginal women and girls face disproportionate levels of violence compared to non-Aboriginal women, as reported by Statistics Canada.
- Human Rights Watch Canada reported higher numbers of missing and murdered Aboriginal women than Statistics Canada due to a lack of comprehensive data collection and no standardized police recording process.
- Homelessness and inadequate housing are widespread problems for Aboriginal families.
- Indigenous people face lower incomes and a lack of culturally appropriate support services.
- The most common motive in homicides of Aboriginal women is “argument or quarrel” followed by “frustration, anger, or despair”.
- The link between racial discrimination and violence against Aboriginal women has not been adequately acknowledged or addressed.
Resolved 1:
- NCWC adopts a policy that all cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women be investigated effectively and immediately and that systemic violence against Aboriginal women be eliminated.
Resolved 2:
- NCWC urges the Government of Canada to immediately address the issue, including a national inquiry, and to work with provinces, territories, and Aboriginal governments to fund and implement programs that:
a. Enhance efforts on unsolved cases
b. Increase public awareness, including anti-racism programs
c. Improve data collection, including DNA analysis of unidentified bodies
d. Ensure gender-based analysis in all legislation and programs related to missing and murdered Aboriginal women
e. Focus on prevention efforts, particularly:- Safe, secure, affordable housing
- Eliminating poverty
- Increasing access to services for Aboriginal women
- Restoring funding to Aboriginal women’s groups
- Providing basic quality education within Aboriginal communities
- Supporting community capacity building
- Providing anti-violence programs
This resolution reaffirms the NCWC’s commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, and systemic change to protect Aboriginal women from violence and discrimination.