No relationship is more important to Canada than the relationship with Indigenous peoples. We cannot move forward and eliminate gender-based violence without acknowledging the past.

“Ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ2S individuals is everyone’s responsibility – including all levels of government, police, the justice system, civil society and other partners. Our government is listening to survivors and families who have told us that in order to move forward meaningfully, we must remember and help honour those who are missing and whose lives have been lost. The Commemoration Fund ensures that we have the means to do so.”

The Honourable Maryam Monsef, P.C., M.P.
Minister for Women and Gender Equality

“Families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls fought for decades to ensure their daughters, sisters, mothers, and aunties are not forgotten and to have this on-going national tragedy properly investigated. Our government responded by calling the National Inquiry and by acting on the root causes: reforming child and family services, investments in social housing and shelters, and reviewing policing standards and practices. The Commemoration Fund responds to the Commission’s Interim Report and helps families and survivors honour their loved ones and promote the healing which is so important.” 

The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P.
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

• The work of the Commemoration Fund will complement the other commemoration work already underway across the country.
  

• In 2016, the Government of Canada dedicated $53.8 million to establish the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, with a two year mandate from September 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, to complete its important work.
  

• The National Inquiry released an interim report with recommendations on November 1, 2017. 

• The Government of Canada announced on June 5, 2018, that the Commission would be extended. Its final report is now due to be released by April 30, 2019 instead of the initial date of November 1, 2018.
  

• While Indigenous women make up only 4% of Canada’s female population, 16% of all women murdered in Canada between 1980 and 2012 were Indigenous (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada).
  

Related products

• Backgrounder

Associated links

• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Statement from Minister Bennett on the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls request for an extension and Interim Report
• It’s Time: Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Commemoration Fund Call for Proposals

Braeson Holland
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister for Women and Gender Equality
343-549-8825 

Valérie Haché
Communications Officer
Department for Women and Gender Equality
819-420-8684