A day to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender-Diverse People

Conversations about MMIWG2S+ can be especially difficult for people from impacted communities. The MMIWG Support Line, an independent, national, toll-free support call line, is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-844-413-6649

Each year on February 14, communities across Canada and the United States gather for the Women’s Memorial March to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender-Diverse People (MMIWG2S+). This day offers a space to collectively mourn, hold ceremony and call for action. 

The Women’s Memorial March began on Valentine’s Day in 1992 in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. It was founded by those who wanted to remember Cheryl Ann Joe, a shíshálh Nation mother who had been murdered only weeks earlier, and to support families whose loved ones had gone missing or been taken. Since then, the march has expanded to more than 20 cities across North America, drawing attention to the systemic issues of colonialism, racism and gender-based violence that disproportionately affect Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people. 

A continued crisis 

Despite national inquiries, action plans and reports, Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse peoples continue to experience alarmingly high rates of violence. Indigenous women are four times as likely to be victims of violence compared to non-Indigenous women, according to statistics from the Assembly of First Nations. Community advocates, elders, families and frontline workers have persistently advocated to all levels of government to address the root causes, which include historical and ongoing colonial practices, systemic racism and social inequities such as poverty and inadequate housing. The Women’s Memorial March and similar gatherings highlight these critical issues, reminding the broader public that much more needs to be done. 

Ongoing calls for justice 

Families, survivors and allies have long called on governments and institutions to take swift, transparent and measurable action. There remain significant gaps in implementing the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG (PDF, 643 KB), the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (PDF, 298 KB), the recommendations of the In Plain Sight Report (PDF, 13.8 KB), as well as other strategies and recommendations advanced by Indigenous organizations and grassroots movements. Many of these calls focus on improving access to critical resources such as housing, mental health supports and culturally safe medical care. 

A shared responsibility 

The Women’s Memorial March is an annual reminder that preventing violence against Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people demands sustained, collective commitment. Midwives can meaningfully engage and fully support the self-determination of Indigenous nations, and commit to implementing the Calls to Justice of the National Inquiry into MMIWG and.other recommendations from Indigenous groups. The path toward decolonized and anti-racist reproductive and newborn care requires reviving Indigenous birthing practices and returning Indigenous midwifery and birth to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. 

Attend an event

Here are some of the events being held in Ontario you might consider attending or supporting. Please check local listings or community websites for the most up-to-date details: 

• Niagara: From February 10-24, Niagara College will display red dresses across both campuses to honour and signify losses to Indigenous communities and raise awarenes through the REDress project.
• Sault Ste. Marie: Presentations from Indigenous leaders and community members will be made outside of the courthouse beginning at noon. This event is hosted by the Indigenous Women’s Anti-Violence Task Force. 
• Toronto: This year will be the 20th annual Toronto Strawberry Ceremony, held at Toronto Police Headquarters from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. 
• Thunder Bay Memorial Vigil: This marks the 18th Annual Valentine's Day MMIWGMB2S+ Memorial Walk in Thunder Bay. This event will be held on February 13th at 5pm at Intercity Mall.
• Virtual: The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is hosting a National Virtual Forum on Advancing the MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice on March 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Participants will engage on the theme, “Prevention of Human Trafficking and Sexual Trafficking,” to support the AFN’s advocacy positions and develop indicators for the AFN’s Calls for Justice Progress Report.

Wherever you are, we encourage you to seek out local marches, ceremonies or memorials that centre the voices and experiences of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people.