sign at a march saying "you are not forgotten"

News & Updates

Why We Participate in the Women's Memorial March

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

*Content warning: Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+

The Women's Memorial March

Every year, on February 14th, communities across Canada come together for the Women's Memorial March, an event dedicated to honouring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+).

The Women's Memorial March began in 1992 in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside on unceded xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) territories. It was established by the family and friends who wanted to ensure their loved ones who were missing and murdered were not forgotten. Hundreds march each year on Valentine’s Day to commemorate the women we have lost and demand action to end the ongoing genocide.

What to expect

10:00 AM – Family and community time
A private gathering for families and those directly impacted. (No public attendance)
12:00 PM – Public gathering and march
Speeches and support commence as families make their way out of the private gathering and begin the march. The march includes several stops to commemorate where women were last seen or found, with moments of quiet reflection and traditional medicine practices.
4:00–5:00 PM – Community feast
Held at the Japanese Hall (487 Alexander St, Vancouver). Indigenous communities traditionally share meals after such events. Staying for the entire event is a meaningful way to show respect and solidarity.

What you should know

This is a solemn event. Branding, organizational logos or promotional materials should not be brought
Our role is to be present and supportive
If you are able, please stay until the end out of respect for the families

Understanding the issue: missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG2S+)

The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+) affects many families and communities. Indigenous women and girls experience much higher rates of violence than other women in Canada. This crisis is connected to a long history of colonialism.

Scope and root causes of the crisis

It’s hard to know the exact number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls because of differences in how cases are reported and recorded. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported over 1,200 cases between 1980 and 2012. However, Indigenous organizations believe the true number is over 4,000, showing how many cases may have gone unreported or unnoticed.

The violence Indigenous women and girls face is connected to larger social issues. Many Indigenous women and girls go missing or experience harm because they lack access to stable housing, employment opportunities and supportive services. These challenges are rooted in historical injustices, such as being forced to leave their traditional lands and communities through government policies like the Indian Act and residential schools. These policies led to the loss of culture, language and community ties, making it harder for Indigenous people to thrive.

Today, Indigenous peoples continue to face systemic racism and discrimination in healthcare, policing and social services. Barriers such as poverty and lack of trust in the police continue to impact Indigenous communities. All of this puts Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people at a higher risk of experiencing violence, showing why more understanding and action are needed,

In addition, racism, discrimination and victim-blaming often mean that cases involving Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people are not taken seriously. This leads to delayed investigations and a lack of support. The mix of discrimination and violence puts them in danger of unsafe situations and exploitation. Addressing these issues requires listening to Indigenous voices and taking meaningful action to ensure their safety and well-being.

Calls for justice and why awareness matters

In response to this crisis, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls undertook a comprehensive process that included listening to the voices of survivors, families and communities across the country. The Inquiry gathered personal experiences, expert insights and historical context to understand the systemic causes of violence. Their final report, released in 2019, made hundreds of recommendations aimed at addressing what is now described as a genocide. These calls urge governments, institutions and all Canadians to take concrete actions, including changes to laws, policies and support services to better protect Indigenous women and girls.

Learning about this issue helps us understand the challenges Indigenous women and girls face and encourages people to act. By becoming informed, we can support efforts to create change and help keep Indigenous women and girls safe.