CAP Releases Report in the National Action Plan for MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

Ottawa, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – June 3, 2021) – On the second anniversary of the release of the Final Report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is releasing its Interim Report. Included in the National Action Plan released today, CAP’s Interim Report serves as a summary and first step in the development of CAP’s National Action Plan. CAP’s Interim Report highlights a way forward toward better outcomes for Indigenous Women, Girls & 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada.

National Chief Elmer St. Pierre speaks to the need for a CAP National Action Plan:

“CAP’s Interim Report addresses violence against our Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and underlining priorities that families and survivors have identified. The CAP National Action Plan seeks to remedy the systemic issues that continue to violate the safety and freedom of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people to live where they choose and access the services designed to keep them safe. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the work of CAP’s Sub-Working Group in leading the creation of the National Action Plan.”

CAP acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the members of the National Action Plan Core Working Group, and the CAP Sub-Working Group, particularly President and Chief Lisa Cooper for her leadership. CAP extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone for bringing this work forward. Although we believe the National Action Plan is a step in the right direction toward reconciliation, inequities continue, due to the unfortunate presence of the politics around the use of a distinctions-based approach. CAP remains committed to the families and survivors who sit at the heart of the process.

CAP’s Interim Report identifies six key themes which must be addressed in order that Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people can feel safe. They include: recognition of human rights and inclusion; mobility of rights; equity of access to programs and services; inter-governmental coordination; accountability; and a role for all Canadians. In order to guarantee a future where Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people feel safe it is critical to ensure that their unique issues are honoured and addressed.

The words of President and Chief Lisa Cooper of the Native Council of Prince Edward Island, Chair of CAP’s Sub-Working Group speak to the heart of this important work:

“I feel honoured and humbled to carry the words of the families and survivors who shared with us their experiences when a loved one goes missing. I want to thank everyone on this journey and particularly the families and survivors who have entrusted the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples to ensure that they and their loved ones are not forgotten. The release of National Action Plan is not the end of the journey; it is only the beginning as we proceed with the National Action Plan Core Working Group and CAP’s MMIWG Subworking Group. We will continue to work together toward a transformative and barrier-free world for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.”

This interim report is presented in memory of the status and non-status Indians, Métis and Southern Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in urban, rural, and remote communities who have gone missing and murdered. The full report of the 2020 CAP Summit can be found at: http://www.abo-peoples.org/en/mmiwg/.

– 30 –

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
http://www.theusdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/86413_54966b636475c975_001.jpg

Visit the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples website to consult the Interim Report: http://www.abo-peoples.org/en/mmiwg/

Visit the Government of Canada’s National Action Plan’s website to learn more about the process, and partners involved in this vital initiative: www.MMIWG2SplusNationalActionPlan.ca

Media Contact
Jessica Dawson
Cell: 613-806-8669
j.dawson@abo-peoples.org

Background

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) is the second-oldest national indigenous organization in Canada. Founded in 1971, CAP represents the interests of off reserve status and non-status Indians, Métis and Southern Inuit Aboriginal Peoples throughout Canada. CAP is one of five national Indigenous organizations recognized by the federal government and holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/86413