Disclaimer:

 

The name of the author has been anonymized to protect her privacy. The intention of this article is to raise awareness and promote justice. This document was compiled and developed in consultation with the author and in full collaboration with her. She has provided her consent and willingness to share her insights here. 

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Please take a moment in silence to honor the women and girls who continue to face abuse and violence. 

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 The March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is part of an annual procession held in memory of the ongoing atrocities against women and girls who continue to go missing and be murdered on a regular basis throughout Canada, especially in British Columbia. The march is a grassroots movement that has been organized since 1992. Local First Nation advocacy organizations and community organizers come together each year to lead a march, stopping at strategic points in the city to offer prayers and to make community grievances known to the authorities and to society at large regarding an ongoing issue that has not received sufficient attention. 

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The march is attended by survivors, relatives, friends, families, and community members at large of Missing and Murdered Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, who are among the most affected by these ongoing violations. The march takes place every year on February 14, marking over 30 years since its inception in 1992. 

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The issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls points to a serious and ongoing phenomenon in which women, girls, and Two-Spirit people belonging to marginalized communities- most notably First Nations and Indigenous community members- go missing or become victims of homicide at disproportionate rates each year. Many of these cases do not receive adequate attention in society and are often not given sufficient priority by authorities. Many daughters, children, and family members who go missing or are murdered do not receive thorough investigations, and families continue to seek justice and answers without meaningful responses. Many of these cases remain unresolved. This speaks to the impunity that continues when violence is directed against First Nations, minorities, and marginalized communities. 

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This violence is not limited to women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. Indigenous and First Nations men also face similar violence, including murder and disappearance, particularly young men within the community. A lesser-known march for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men often takes place the day after February 14. Although it is usually less publicized, it is equally urgent and involves a similar community gathering and march. There is a Missing Indigenous Men march coming up in 2026, which I attend every year. 

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This year, UCW faculty had the opportunity to participate in the events, standing shoulder to shoulder with community members who have been directly impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Mis-J, who is herself a survivor, was present at the event and shared her insights on the matter.

 

Below is her testimony: 

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“I just want to give a big thank you to Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh for allowing me to write this on their territory on the Missing Indigenous people, where I thank all the organizers, elders, city and police on the acknowledgement of a job well done, and volunteers and helper support system as well. This is part of an annual procession held in memory of the ongoing atrocities against women and girls who continue to go missing and be murdered on a regular basis throughout Canada and United States, especially in British Columbia, who are taken, trafficked, used, abused. The march is a grassroots movement that has been organized since 1992, where the power and emotion on the missing women, sisters, girls in downtown east side and other parts of Canada who are dearly missed by family, friends, and community is deeply felt. It raises awareness, and although there has been disappointment in the community, it has raised voices today where victims and their families demand justice.

 

I, *****, have taken part in the march since it started, where I watched the movement spark conversations, standing in the circle where the support and voices were so powerful with drums, rattles, medicines, eagle and cedar brushing. It was a powerful feeling with the organizers, elders, youth advocates, and community coming together, showing that there is no more shame and that we support one another each year. 

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​The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls points to a serious harm on survivors like me, *****. It is something that happened to me in the downtown east side, where I could have been another ongoing case, as many women, girls, and two spirit persons from marginalized communities, especially First Nations, go missing after trusting the wrong person like I did. I was taken in broad daylight, and I never had a candle light when I was missing. I thank creator every day for being alive, as I was a victim but not a homicide victim, and it took me a long time to heal and breathe again. Many of these cases remain unsolved and do not receive adequate attention, and society has to change to protect all nations, as these cases are often not given sufficient priority by authorities. I want justice for myself and for every family, as 

families, friends, sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, and grandparents seek justice. The pain I went through was invisible to others, and many turn a blind eye without support. Still, I became stronger as a survivor, and I continue to speak up so that those who are missing or murdered receive equal investigation and justice. 

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Through community, culture, and support, I learned to heal. First Nation advocate organizations come together each year, leading marches, stopping at strategic points, offering tobacco, prayers, and respect to honor loved ones who have passed, and making community grievances known to authorities and society. I thank the community, elders, organizers, volunteers, officers, and all those who stood by me, as well as creator, ancestors, universe, and angels for guiding me. I was taught from a young age to honor and respect, and to give without asking for anything in return, as my grandparents taught me this way of life. Even though I did not always receive the support I needed, I gave myself support and stood with those who stood by me. I believe we must come together, not against each other, to support all women, men, and two spirit people, and to honor those who are missing. My trauma made me stronger, and I now call for justice for myself and for those who are afraid to speak. I ask that more people show up, support the marches, and stand with the community so that no one is left unheard, and that all missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people are honored with love, respect, and justice.”