Mapping Your Story
November 25, 2020
Zainab Zaman
Instructor: J.Monastryrski
· Story Idea:
So far there have been many in class discussions regarding how Indigenous women are mistreated compared to non-Indigenous women in Canada. I have decided to analyze statistics that show the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. I will also contact Indigenous women in the community who have faced discrimination, whether it’s from the police or daily encounters as an Indigenous woman. I will also explore the term radical feminism to write about the murders of Indigenous women because of brutality due to race. Canada is considered a country that thrives on diversity; however, many Indigenous women are experiencing racism in their own land. Despite their differences among First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities, a similar ongoing problem is how Indigenous women are seen to be vulnerable to abuse, mistreatment and violence especially from non-indigenous men.
· Research, Publications & Audience:
I will also use research to show how the colonization of North America and the removal of Indigenous people from their land and racial stereotyping has created an outlet that leads to violence against Indigenous women. By explaining in detail, the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women, readers will be aware of the violence against Indigenous women that has been declared a national tragedy of epic proportion. PITCH: How Indigenous women are combating murder and violence. Missing and Murdered Indigenous women in Canada.
Research to backup my article:
The 2014 Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Operational Overview
· The (RCMP) released a report detailing a national operational overview on missing and murdered Indigenous women across Canada.
· The report shows 1,017 police recorded homicides of Aboriginal women between 1980 and 2012 and 164 cases of missing Aboriginal women since 1952. These numbers reveal Indigenous women and girls have a higher risk of victimization, they are 3.5 times more likely to experience sexual assault and physical violence than non-Indigenous women.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) report called “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and girls”
· The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) estimates that at least 662 Indigenous women were killed or disappeared between 1960 and 2013.
· NWAC’s important contribution to the Inquiry was Sisters in Spirit, a foundational research initiative that was undertaken to thoroughly and respectfully document cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
Feminist Alliance for International Action report under “ Equal Status for Women in the Indian Act: the Indian Act and Bill S-3 “
Report:http://fafia-afai.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Equal-Status-for-Women-in-the-Indian-Act-2.pdf
· The report shows that based on previous research the Indian Act sex discrimination is a root cause of high levels of violence against Indigenous women and the “existing vulnerabilities that make Indigenous women more susceptible to violence”.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
· The violence the National Inquiry reports about is related to race-based genocide of Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis, which especially targets women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.
· The report mentions the genocide that has been entitled by colonial structures, evidenced notably by the Indian Act, the Sixties Scoop, residential schools and breaches of human and Indigenous rights, leading directly to the current increased rates of violence, death, and suicide in Indigenous populations.
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
· The calls to action laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, six resonated in regard to murdered and missing Indigenous women.
Research Idea:
What will be different about my story is how there has been a recent report posted in June 2020 by the NWAC, the request is to address the findings of the inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls – which can also be the lead of the story. The lead would be different because there is a report that was set to launch in June 3,2020 (https://www.nwac.ca/resource/proposed-participation-by-nwac-in-a-federal-action-plan-to-address-the-findings-of-the-inquiry-into-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-girls/?wpdmdl=5556&refresh=5fbda7ff17aad1606264831) that would include their research regarding the incident that contained 231 “calls for justice” on June 3rd, 2019. The NWAC held a reporting session and their report was created by asking 65 participants to set priorities for the plan of action if they were going to consider the Inquiry’s Calls for Justice. The goal of the council is to lower the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. My story will explore why the report that was done in Jan,2020 has not been available after a long-awaited time.
My story will overall show the timeline of violence towards Indigenous women and by contacting the sources below, I can create an article that will bring more awareness to incidents that have been going on for many years, however, there has not been much change. By exploring questions that talk about how Indigenous communities are facing an ongoing discrimination towards their women and what changes should be made I can conclude my lead. Overall, my story will also show how there has to be an implement for change because most First Nations, Inuit and Metis people across Ontario have seen a growing amount of violence against women in their communities as one of the most pressing concerns. I will also mention the high levels of distrust among Indigenous people towards government at both the federal and provincial levels.
Sources:
1- Chief Commissioner Marion R. Buller: is a First Nations jurist in British Columbia. Judge Buller served as the Chief Commissioner for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Contact number: 613-957-5153
2- Robyn Rowe is an Anishinaabekwe (First Nations woman), it is important to Robyn that her work benefits Indigenous peoples, and she is working with community partners to form a strong Ph.D. proposal. The intended goal of her research is to inform the current landscape on Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Canada and influence powerful policies that can be brought forward to government bodies to influence change at a systemic level. tel:18004614030
3- Brandi Morin: Award-winning Human Rights Journalist and survivor of human trafficking, she is also from the We’koma’q First Nation. Twitter : https://twitter.com/songstress28
4- Commissioner Michele Audette: (NWAC) The daughter of a Quebecois father and an Innu mother, Commissioner Audette grew up in an engaged environment at the confluence of two rich cultures, which she proudly represents.
5- Carole Umana: KAIROS Blanket Exercise Regional Director (Southwestern Ontario) Prior to joining the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, Carole worked primarily in post-secondary education and international development – including peace and social justice in Mesoamerica as well as student success/accessibility at Canadian colleges and universities. cumana@kairoscanada.org 416.463.5312
6- Jason Seright: Dean, Indigenous Education and Engagement Grace Francisci: Administrative Assistant. - Humber Indigenous Education and Engagement center. Email by clicking on name.
7- Shina Nova – Indigenous women from the Inuit community with a large following of 65.9 k followers on Instgram and TikTok. She uses her platform to advocate for Indigenous women’s rights and spreads positivity and embraces her culture through every post. Shina-nova@live.com
Publications:
The Guardian:
CBC:
(Similar Topics)
The Washington Post
The New York Times
Wind speaker:
Wawatay News:
Headlines: The ongoing tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada
It is time to address the alarming number of Indigenous female victims’ homicides
Research show how genocide has been committed against Indigenous women and girls in Canada
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