GS.8: Deep Dive – Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Peoples

Approximate reading time: 1 minute

Amnesty International and the Native Women’s Association of Canada have been bringing attention to murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) and asking for action from governments and the RCMP. Negative stereotypes of the “squaw” or overly sexualised characters like Pocahontas make it more likely for Indigenous women to face abuse and less likely for them to get help (Anderson, 2000, p. 111). Too often, violence against Indigenous women is ignored or downplayed. Groups like the Native Women’s Association and Sisters in Spirit have been fighting for recognition and action for MMIWG2S, which has led to a national inquiry (Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 2016). Including Two-Spirit people in these conversations is a recent, but very important step.