Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. is sharing this statement in recognition that October 4, 2022, is the Provincial Day of Awareness and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG2S+).

 

MKO’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Liaison Unit is hosting a Memorial and Awareness Walk in Thompson on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Everyone is welcome.

 

MKO invites participants to meet at their office at 55 Selkirk Avenue at 4:00 pm. Participants will walk to MacLean Park at 226 Mystery Lake Road, where there will be refreshments, speakers, and entertainment.

 

“On behalf of MKO, we send love and prayers to the families and survivors who have been impacted by gender-based violence,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “We continue to see high numbers of violence against women. This is very much an ongoing tragedy. Our women are sacred and should be treated with respect and honour. MKO will continue to work to raise awareness of the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.”

 

“The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ Final Report was released more than three years ago. We continue to encourage the public to read the final report,” stated Heidi Spence, Director of MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit. “All levels of government must show their commitment to carrying out the National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice so we can stop the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence. Our women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people deserve to feel safe and secure.”

 

All members of the public, as well as media, are invited to join MKO staff members as we walk to remember and honour the Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have been impacted by gender-based violence.

 

MKO’s MMIWG Liaison Unit offers a range of support services. You can find more information about the Unit on our website at https://mkonation.com/advocacy-areas/mmiwg/ or reach us toll free at 1-800-442-0488 or by cell at 204-307-0485.