The Missing and Murdered

Introduction

This introductory module is thoughtfully designed to provide a respectful and authentic introduction to some key elements of the diverse histories, current realities, experiences, and truths of Indigenous People in Canada. With great care, we embark on this learning journey, acknowledging the cascading impacts that colonialism has, and continues to have, on Indigenous peoples, especially women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA peoples. In this module, specifically, we will cover the following topic(s):

• The Reality of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA Peoples.

A Path towards Healing

It is important to remember that these are complex topics. As such, it is imperative to note that our introductory modules have been produced to shine a light on or take a glimpse at these complex and interconnected topics. These modules have been created for those seeking to take their first few steps to learn more about the topic of MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA in Canada. As you delve into this module, we encourage you to approach the subject matter with an open heart and a willingness to reflect both critically and thoughtfully – mindful that this is only the beginning of your journey.

So, let's begin.

Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019) was created to critically examine and report on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls, including sexual violence. In 2019, the National Inquiry on MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA found that this violence amounted to a race-based genocide that was a direct result of colonial harm. Indeed, “it's estimated Indigenous women in Canada are three times more likely to experience violence than other women and six times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be murdered (see Pathways to Safety, Ontario, 2021). Canada must examine the underlying social, economic, cultural, institutional, and historical causes that contribute to the ongoing violence and particular vulnerabilities of Indigenous women and girls. The National Inquiry developed a framework to address this violence which included Rights to Culture, Rights to Security, Rights to Health, and Rights to Justice (Pathways to Safety, Ontario, 2021).;

While the formal name of the Inquiry is the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the mandate covers all forms of violence.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Identify the root causes of MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA in Canada.
2. Describe the impact of MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA in Canada on Indigenous communities and implications for a path forward towards (re)conciliation.

Beginning Your Journey

A key goal for this module is to start you on a learning journey of self-discovery. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples are going through a transition of learning about the culture of Indigenous peoples (some rediscovering their heritage) and the true history of Canada. In Indigenous culture, there is no such thing as an expert. Someone can be knowledgeable or skilled but not an expert.

Additional curated readings will be provided to help guide on as you take further steps on your journey.

• These resources are provided at the end of the module.
• These additional readings are not mandatory, and you will not be graded on them.
• Learning journeys are not meant to be a strictly academic exercise, but hopefully, the materials presented point you in the right direction.
• Always remember: the readings are not enough. The next step is to connect with the Indigenous community.

Establishing an Inclusive Learning Environment

Code of Conduct

All 4 Directions modules, no matter their delivery format, have a code of conduct. In addition to the standard expectations, which you can find in our Getting Ready to Learn module, you should take a moment and explore the following points, which are essential for personal conduct and for generating a healthy space and dialogue in this module:

• Be open to opinions that may be different from your worldview.
• Connect with yourself and others on this journey on different matters, especially when there is a disagreement or opposing opinion.
• When in doubt, take a pause and then come back to the dialogue.

Reflections, Sharing and Debriefing

This module may allow you to ask yourself to:

• Examine individual or systemic impacts of ignorance or prejudice.
• Challenge your past educational experiences and your understanding of Indigenous lives and cultures, and,
• Hopefully, give yourself the ability to ask or learn more.

Connecting Synchronously

As you move through this or other modules, you may wish to connect with others on a similar journey, as well as members from the 4 Directions team. You can sign up for our Community of Practice membership, which includes live synchronous Fireside Chat sessions where you can discuss your learnings from this and other modules, as well as ask questions of our team that may not be covered in the modules.

If you have a question about content or concepts from this module and are attending a Fireside chat session, here is one helpful way to prepare for the session and the most out of your time:

1. Describe what you saw, read, or experienced during a module activity or unit
2. Relate this to your own life and your emotional response
3. Analyze the implications of what you are learning. Assess similarities and differences, potential effectiveness and look at the implications of the issues raised.
4. Expand your analysis of the issues being discussed to other groups and issues. Who else is affected by this? What other issues could this apply to and how are they similar or different?
5. Offer Alternatives: Brainstorm ideas that explore how the implications of the content/video/activity can have positive outcomes. This can include concrete ideas for action about how this can be accomplished and can include personal, interpersonal, social and institutional actions.