MMIWG2 motion wins unanimous backing of MLAS
Declaration contains five articles on governance, violence, services
As MLAS debated the issue of helping protect missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people (MMIWG2) in Saskatchewan, Tiffany Witchekan reflected on her sister.
Witchekan and her sister Ally Moosehunter were close before Moosehunter died. Witchekan doesn't want her sister remembered as just another statistic.
Moosehunter's former partner faces second-degree murder charges.
“She was a person; she was my person,” Witchekan told reporters on Thursday as she wiped tears from her eyes.
“She didn't deserve this and I don't want it to be just swept under the rug, so I'm still fighting for justice.”
Moosehunter's story was among many at the legislature as people marked Red Dress Day, which is also known as the National Day of Awareness for Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirit People.
On Thursday, MLAS unanimously passed a motion that supports a declaration from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) to protect those that have gone missing or have been murdered.
It contained five articles that affirm Indigenous women and girls' rights to participate in governance and ceremonial practices, as well as receive accessible services, protection and be able to access processes to investigate all complaints of gender-based violence.
Following its adoption, NDP critic for First Nations relations Betty Nippi-albright waved her hands at those in the gallery who represented numerous families and community members affected by the issue.
Nippi-albright has called on the government to take action, saying she hopes the declaration isn't shelved.
“They need to work, not just provide lip-service,” Nippi-albright told reporters.
“They need to work in a meaningful partnership with Indigenous organizations and Indigenous people with lived experience. It's no longer acceptable to just have one or two tokenized Indigenous people at those tables.”
During question period, Premier Scott Moe said the province is open to moving forward with the FSIN on the matter.
While he said investments have been made in transportation and shelters, he acknowledged there's more work to do.
“I think there's work left to do on not only this file, but many other files,” Moe said.
“The minister of justice had signified that. I think some other ministers will be putting forward some of the willingness to work in this case with the FSIN and other community organizations,” the premier added.
FSIN third vice-chief Aly Bear told reporters she acknowledges the work being done, but said it hasn't been enough.
She said there are many families who feel they aren't supported.
“Even us, we have not very much supports to offer them. How do we come together and do this together?” she said. “That's why we're here today together. We have leadership from north to the south. We have families from the north to the south. We've got to move forward on this and implement it.”
Witchekan said it was an honour to be among many families and community leaders present Thursday.
“They understand me and I understand what they're feeling,” she said.
“And I feel like I don't want to be quiet about this.”
NDP Leader Ryan Meili questioned why no one from the government has gone up to Red Earth Cree Nation as the community continues its search for missing five-year-old Frank Young.
Moe said Public Safety Minister Christine Tell spoke with Chief Fabian Head, adding he would reach out personally.
But without being there, Meili told the chamber it sends the wrong signal.
“Sometimes, showing you care means showing up,” he said, followed by applause from family and community members in the gallery.
Moe told reporters it's highly likely a minister will visit the community.
He said he's asked local MLA and Highway Minister Fred Bradshaw to reach out.
Meili, who was in the community this past weekend, said he wonders whether Amber Alerts should be used differently.
Head has called for an Amber Alert for Young despite the RCMP saying the criteria for such alert hasn't been met.
“It was really a moving and difficult experience, just to see the pain that the family is in and understand the heartbreak that the whole community has,” Meili said of his time there. “We also witnessed just the incredible level of support.”
Bear said that having an elected official go to the community shows the government cares.