FSIN Chief Hopes to Translate National MMIW Roundtable to Action

FSIN Interim Chief Kimberly Jonathan (Photo by bill Stevenson)

(Saskatoon, SK) – The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) supports the families of missing and murdered Indigenous Women in their call for both immediate action and for a National Inquiry.

FSIN Interim Chief Kimberly Jonathan and Chief Marie-Anne Daywalker Pelletier, Okanese First Nation attended the National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women in Ottawa this past Friday to support family members of victims from Saskatchewan speaking at the roundtable.

“We must continue to empower the families and victims to be heard and to translate their voices to action,” said Interim Chief Jonathan. “Some of the immediate actions communities can implement and governments can support include additional supports to address trauma for families and communities and preventative programs to empower and build self-esteem for women.”

While federal commitment to action fell far short of a National Inquiry, Interim Chief Jonathan believes it was a positive opportunity for families to be heard and remains optimistic that appropriate action and supportive investments will soon follow from all levels of government as partners.

“My heart goes out to the Indigenous women that have been stolen from us and to all those family members and communities left to deal with the trauma of losing a loved one. We cannot forget the children that have been left with no mother. They are forever impacted and for them we must work together towards solutions. “

The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago.

– Source: FSIN Press Release