Missing and murdered Indigenous women is a movement which is raising awareness for Indigenous women and girls in the US and Canada who have disappeared, been a victim of extreme violence or/ and have been murdered. 3% of Canada’s population are Indigenous women and girls, however they make up 10% of female homicides. It is estimated that from 1997-2020 the homicide relate of Indigenous women in Canada was seven times higher than the average rate for females. While in the USA Indigenous women are ten times more likely to be murdered and sexually assaulted average for females.
For centuries Indigenous people in North America have been subject to oppression and it is still occurring today. Some Indigenous people in North America suffer disproportionately from incarceration, suicide, mental health challenges and poverty. This stems from colonialism and adds to the vulnerability of Indigenous people. 55% of cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls involve women and girls under the age of 31, while 17% of them are under the age of 18 and 8% involve women over 45.
In 2015 Canada commenced a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women, it highlighted the prejudice towards the indigenous community and the lack of communication from the police when indigenous people report a missing or murdered indigenous woman. In the USA there have been some bills and acts passed, since 2018, to reduce violence towards indigenous women and to improve the criminal justice’s response. Canada and the USA have started to take action, however is it enough?
Written by Karis
Artwork by Isabel
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