(Ottawa, ON) October 4, 2023 – The Legacy of Hope Foundation marks today as a day of solemn remembrance of those whose voices were silenced far too soon, and a commitment to a future where justice, equality, and respect prevail for all.

The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis is a deeply troubling and ongoing tragedy that has disproportionately affected Indigenous communities throughout Canada. Each year, families and communities are left grappling with the heartbreak of lost loved ones, and the systemic issues that have perpetuated this crisis for generations.

In recognition of this profound issue, October 4th has been designated as a day to remember and honour those affected by the MMIWG2S crisis. It is a day for reflection, action, and solidarity. Indigenous communities, allies, and supporters come together to raise awareness, demand justice, and call for an end to the violence that has claimed the lives of far too many Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals.

On this day, we encourage all Canadians to:

Remember: Take a moment to reflect on the lives of those who have been lost and the families who continue to bear the burden of their absence.

Raise Awareness: Engage in meaningful conversations, both online and offline, about the MMIWG2S crisis. Share information and stories to help educate others about the issue.

Support Indigenous-led initiatives: Contribute to and support organizations and initiatives led by Indigenous communities working tirelessly to address the root causes of this crisis and provide support to those affected.

Advocate for change: Contact your local representatives and demand action on the national and regional levels to address the MMIWG2S crisis, including greater resources for prevention, support, and justice.

Attend events: Participate in local events, gatherings, and memorials to show your solidarity with the affected families and communities.

Commit to Reconciliation: Recognize that the MMIWG2S crisis is a symptom of broader systemic issues. Commit to working towards reconciliation, dismantling stereotypes, and promoting a more inclusive and just Canada.

This October 4, 2023, let us stand together as a nation to remember, honour, and advocate for change. We must ensure that the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit individuals are never forgotten, and that their lives serve as a powerful catalyst for meaningful action and lasting change.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 23 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Child Welfare System on Indigenous Survivors, their families, and communities to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF encourages people to address discrimination and injustices in order to contribute to the equality, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation.

The LHF has more than 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow, and LHF is currently working on making these exhibitions available online. LHF also has curriculum for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, Podcasts, all designed to educate Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and other acts of colonization. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding to eliminate racism against Indigenous Peoples.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B / J.D.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
tedwards@legacyofhope.ca