This past summer the final report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released for public scrutiny. After 2 years of gathering evidence from 2,380 family members, survivors of violence, experts and Knowledge Keepers the Report issued 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians.
A group of women involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Community Bobcaygeon spent several months reviewing and discussing the report. It was a moving and difficult journey to read the testimonies and feel the loss so many families have experienced. Nonetheless we would recommend that Canadians read the report to better understand the claim that the systematic assault on Indigenous women in Canada has been an act of genocide. It’s a harsh truth that all Canadians must accept and act upon.
To further the discussion, the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University as part of its Pine Tree Talk lecture series, hosted Dr. Pamela Palmater in a free event on October 30.
The lecture focused on First Nation rights and ending genocide against Indigenous women and girls. The Hall was packed – standing room only -and everyone was keenly tuned into Dr. Palmater’s impassioned presentation. Her down to earth and powerful words were directed to the both Indigenous and non-Indigenous audience members offering solace to some and a call to action for all.
Dr. Palmater is a Mi’kmaw citizen and member of Eel River Bar First Nation. She has been a practicing lawyer for 20 years and currently holds the position of Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University. She is an author, media commentator, public speaker, you tuber and podcaster.
Dr. Palmater’s lecture was also sponsored by the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies and by the Truth and Reconciliation Community Bobcaygeon.
