Release of Yukon Strategy on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirit+ people (MMIWG2S+) to take place on International Human Rights Day

The logo for Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy was designed by Janelle Richardson, a Yukon Indigenous woman and sister to Tina who was one of the MMIWG2S+ of the Yukon.

On Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. the Yukon Advisory Committee on MMIWG2S+ will release Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice, Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy. This strategy aims to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-spirit+ people. Yukon is the first jurisdiction to release a strategy in response to Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

The event will be shared with Yukoners online through a livestreamed event and signatories, partners and contributors will attend virtually and in person to sign the 2020 MMIWG2S+ Declaration in support of the strategy. A press conference will immediately follow the conclusion of this event. The document will be available online on Thursday, December 10.

We are incredibly proud to release the Yukon MMIWG2S+ Strategy that will guide our work for the future. Thank you to Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ families and survivors who have always been at the heart of our work. Without you, none of this would be possible. I look forward to working with partners and contributors to implement this strategy.

Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate Jeanie McLean

The Yukon MMIWG2S+ Strategy is the result of effort and commitment from many groups, individuals and family members. I am proud of the work that has been done so far, but I know that this is a starting point, and many more of us must now come together to carry out the work of putting this plan into action. A whole of Yukon approach includes all governments, partners and contributors joining in efforts to change the story for MMIWG2S+.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation Chief Doris Bill

This strategy was created with the family members of Yukon’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirit+ people at the forefront and they remain at the heart of this work as we move forward, together. As we implement the strategy, Indigenous and family knowledge and leadership will remain a central aspect.

Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society Executive Director Ann Maje Raider

Quick facts 
  • The National Inquiry released its final report containing 231 Calls for Justice on June 3, 2019.

  • In response to the Final Report, the Yukon Advisory Committee (YAC) on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirit+ people, (MMIWG2S+) identified Yukon priority actions grouped under four paths to develop the Yukon Strategy on MMIWG2S+.

  • The Yukon Advisory Committee (YAC) was created in the spring of 2015 to guide and support the first Yukon Regional Roundtable on MMIWG2S+ and to connect the work of the National Inquiry in Yukon to families of MMIWG2S+, and Indigenous survivors, experts, and communities.

  • The Yukon Advisory Committee (YAC) is Co-Chaired by the Minister responsible for the Women’s Directorate Jeanie McLean, Chief of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation Doris Bill and Liard Aboriginal Women’s Society Executive Director Ann Maje Raider. It also includes representatives from all Indigenous women’s organizations, family members, LGBTQ2S+ community, and ex-officio representatives from RCMP and Government of Canada.

  • Please visit Yukon MMIWG2+ Strategy Launch (entegyapp.com), or Government of Yukon | Facebook to watch the livestreamed release of “Changing the Story to Upholding Dignity and Justice, Yukon’s MMIWG2S+ Strategy”

Media contact 

Matthew Cameron
Cabinet Communications
867-393-7136
matthew.cameron@gov.yk.ca

Alex Hill
Communications, Women’s Directorate
867-334-8235
alex.hill@gov.yk.ca

News release #: 
20-367