Ottawa rolls out fund to commemorate Indigenous women

The federal government has earmarked $10 million for projects that honour the lives and legacies of Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ2S people, including those who are missing or have been murdered.

The commemoration fund was among recommendations in an interim report from the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Maryam Monsef, the Minister for Women and Gender Equality, made the funding announcement Saturday in Richmond.

Monsef told Postmedia News the fund was also created in response to requests from families across Canada for such projects, and because it will help renew relationships with Indigenous peoples.

“We’re taking an important step on the long road to reconciliation,” she said. “The purpose of the fund is to raise awareness about this ongoing tragedy.”

The $10 million will be spent over two years and fund Indigenous governments and organizations that work with families and communities on the commemoration projects. Part of the fund will be spent on events that contribute to healing and bring people together such as banquets, powwows, talking circles and potlatches, and lecture series and workshops.

It will also be spent on items that leave a legacy or educate people such as monuments, plaques, cairns, totems poles and other art, and on regional or national projects like gatherings for remembrance and healing.

Joyce Murray, the MP for Vancouver Quadra, said making the funding announcement in the Vancouver area was particularly important because of the significant role of the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the city.

RCMP say 18 women have been murdered or gone missing on the Highway of Tears in Northern B.C., though Indigenous advocates and families believe the number may actually be closer to 40. Across the country, a disproportionate number of Indigenous women and girls go missing or are murdered.

“Coming together to acknowledge the lives lost here and across Canada is crucial to advance healing,” Murray said.

“Ending violence against women is a shared responsibility of all levels of government, including the police, the justice system, civil society and other stakeholders. The government of Canada is committed to doing our part in addressing the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls.”

Organizations have until noon on March 28w to submit proposals for the funding. Successful applicants will begin to receive funding this summer. It will fund local projects up to $50,000, regional projects up to $200,000 and national projects up to $500,000.

Monsef urged anyone interested in doing a commemoration project to visit women. gc.ca and view the application requirements.