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New Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development

Vancouver, Oct. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today on Musqueam Lands (Vancouver, BC), on the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse People (MMIWG2S+), the co-developed Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the Trans Mountain Expansion and Existing Pipeline (IAMC-TMX) announced the establishment of a new Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development.

Indigenous members of the Circle are calling upon Deputy Heads and other federal leaders to join them to participate in ceremony, deepen an understanding of the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender Diverse People, and to affirm a commitment to accelerating progress on MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice 13.1-13.5. 

The ceremony is taking place on Friday, October 4th, 2024, at the Musqueam Cultural Centre in Vancouver, from 9:00am-12:30pm, with media interviews at 12:00pm.

It is critical that we fully understand the connection between resource development, violence, poverty, policing, displacement and forced relocation, marine shipping, transportation, human trafficking, and how they contribute to MMIWG2S+. This cycle, enabled by systemic barriers and gaps, is disproportionately harming Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people. This is why it is so important that we have collaboration and commitment from all parties to act on these issues with the urgency, intersectionality and respect that they deserve.

In 2018, Indigenous members of the IAMC-TMX identified impacts associated with temporary work camps and influx of workers as a top priority during construction, and in response to these concerns moved to establish the Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC). Since its inception, the SESC has been the only initiative listed in Annual Progress Reporting for the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People as responding to all five MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice (13.1-13.5) on Resource Development.

In June 2024, the SESC and Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) struck a new Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development, inviting Indigenous women and MMIWG2S+ advocates to the table to enable collaborative work and progress on advancing the Calls for Justice. This group has been supported by Natural Resources Canada to develop work that will be grounded in an Indigenous worldview with an emphasis on relationships, holistic and intergenerational knowledge, and principles of stewardship and responsibility.

Members of the new Circle include:

  • Dr. Tracy Friedel (President of Lac Ste. Anne Métis), Committee member and SESC Chair (Circle co-chair)
  • Trina Sxwithul’txw, (Penelakut Tribe Member), Committee member and Marine Shipping Subcommittee (MSSC) Chair (Circle co-chair)
  • Violet Meguinis (Tsuu’tina First Nation Member), SESC Member, Chair, T’suut’ina Police Commission
  • Cathy Arcega (Stoney Nakoda First Nation Member), SESC Member, Advisor to the RCMP “K” Division Commanding Officers Indigenous Advisory Committee
  • Laura Sparrow (Musqueam Indian Band Member), SESC Member
  • Zoe Craig-Sparrow, (Musqueam Indian Band Member), SESC Member, Justice for Girls
  • Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, Chair, National Family and Survivors Circle Inc.
  • Sharon McIvor, Feminist Alliance for International Action
  • Melissa Moses, Founder, Owner and Chief Instructor, Nicola Valley Muay Thai
  • George Lampreau (Chief of Simpcw First Nation), Committee member and SESC member
  • Marcel Shackelly (Chief of Nooaitch Indian Band), Committee member, SESC member and Indigenous Monitoring Subcommittee (IMSC) Co-Chair
  • Sandia Wu, SESC Member, Deputy Director, MMIWG2S+ Policy Team, Natural Resources Canada 

“Our work on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project over the past several years has taught us that efforts to address race and gender-based discrimination and violence associated with resource development requires systemic change. Now is a time for action. The Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development has been established to zero in on the five Calls to Justice associated with resource development, as identified in the 2019 MMIWG National Inquiry Final Report. As Indigenous women leading this Circle, including prominent grassroots MMIWG2S+ advocates, we call upon government and regulators to be committed collaborators in the effort needed to create system change. We must do this work together for current and future generations.”

  • Dr. Tracy Friedel (President of Lac Ste. Anne Métis), Committee member and SESC Chair (Circle co-chair)

“We may not bring closure to the families of the missing and murdered but it is our intent within our work to provide a symbolic “home fire” so these “spirits” can start their journey to justice and healing … we are committed to doing our best”.

  • Violet Meguinis, SESC Member, Chair, T’suut’ina Police Commission

“Addressing the Calls for Justice related to the resource extractive industry requires genuine collaboration among all stakeholders. The establishment of the Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development is a pivotal opportunity to create clear pathways for implementation, prevention, and accountability. Together, we must ensure that the voices of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people are not only heard but actively shape the policies and practices that impact their lives. By fostering relationships built on trust and respect, we can create sustainable solutions that prevent violence and promote the safety and well-being of our communities.”  

  • Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, Chair, National Family and Survivors Circle Inc.

“Indigenous women and girls have been subjected to violence and displacement in the interest of natural resource development since colonization. The National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+ could not be more clear: urgent action must be taken to address the connections between MMIWG2S+ and the resource extraction and development industry. As a member of the new Circle, I will honour and build on the work of the generations of Indigenous matriarchs, advocates, and land protectors who came before me to continue the fight for the meaningful justice our people and our stolen sisters deserve. But to be successful, this work requires the funding, commitment, and political will from federal leaders.” 

  •      Zoe Craig-Sparrow, SESC Member, Justice for Girls 


“Our Indigenous women and girls have been calling for action on MMIWG2S+ for decades, long before the National Inquiry. And since the National Inquiry, we have continued to call for action. The cycle of violence between resource extraction, work camps, displacement, and human trafficking must be stopped. I am deeply committed to this work alongside my sisters on the Circle on MMIWGS2+ and Resource Development and hopeful that federal, industry, and regulatory bodies will finally commit to taking urgent, meaningful action on the Calls for Justice.”

  •  Melissa Moses, Founder, Owner and Chief Instructor, Nicola Valley Muay Thai

“As Chief of Musqueam, I stand with our Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit people on this National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+. The establishment of this Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development is an essential step toward addressing the systemic issues that continue to harm our communities. We call on all leaders to join us in this work, to honour the Calls for Justice, and to act with the urgency and commitment that this crisis demands.”

  • Chief Wayne Sparrow, Musqueam Indian Band

“I am honored to be a member of the Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development, and am hopeful that, through this group, we are finally able to see meaningful prevention, mitigation, and responses to the impact of resource extraction on our women and girls. As Chief of the Simpcw First Nation and a member of the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee for the TMX, I have first-hand experience with the industry’s systemic barriers, challenges, and gaps that directly contribute to increased violence, crime, and trafficking. We know the issues are there, and we have the Calls for Justice 13.1-13.5 that outline them, now we need federal leaders to commit to meaningful action and funding to finally begin to prevent them.”

  • Chief George Lampreau, Simpcw First Nation

“I am honored to stand alongside the incredible Indigenous women and matriarchs guiding the work of this Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development. As an Indigenous man, Chief of Nooaitch, and member of the Circle, I will stand beside our Indigenous women and help create a safe space for their leadership on this work. Their voices and wisdom must be followed, respected, and acted upon by all leaders if we are to meaningfully and expeditiously address the MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice.”

  • Chief Marcel Shackelly, Nooaitch Indian Band

“The establishment of the Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development represents a vital step in addressing the profound impacts of resource development on Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people, and putting violence against them to an end. This initiative directly works to respond to and honour the Calls for Justice, while focusing greater attention on the urgent need for systemic change. It is a call for collaborative action that requires the full commitment of federal leaders to confront the interconnected issues of violence, racism, poverty, and displacement, which continue to disproportionately affect Indigenous communities.”

  • The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Together, with Indigenous partners and communities, we are committed to doing the work needed to stop the violence and make spaces safer. The establishment of the new Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development is one of many important steps needed to see real improvements. It’s only when we centre and are guided by Indigenous women and their voices that we will be able to make genuine progress.” 

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

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Today, we pause to honour and remember. December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, commemorating the 14 women murdered at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989. This day reminds us of the urgent need to end gender-based violence in all its forms. For the IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC), this commitment is deeply connected to our work. We advocate for the safety, security, and economic well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in the context of resource development. Our efforts include: • Advancing Action Plan Measure 12 (APM 12) under the UNDRIP Act to protect Indigenous women and gender-diverse people in infrastructure projects. • Promoting wise practices for community safety and oversight. • Integrating a gendered lens (IGBA+) into emergency management and regulatory frameworks. • Supporting Indigenous-led monitoring and decision-making to address socioeconomic impacts. Violence against women is both a personal tragedy and a systemic issue that intersects with resource development, economic security, and community wellness. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.

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Today, we pause to honour and remember. December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, commemorating the 14 women murdered at Montréal’s École Polytechnique in 1989. This day reminds us of the urgent need to end gender-based violence in all its forms. For the IAMC-TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC), this commitment is deeply connected to our work. We advocate for the safety, security, and economic well-being of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in the context of resource development. Our efforts include: ● Advancing Action Plan Measure 12 (APM 12) under the UNDRIP Act to protect Indigenous women and gender-diverse people in infrastructure projects. ● Promoting wise practices for community safety and oversight. ● Integrating a gendered lens (IGBA+) into emergency management and regulatory frameworks. ● Supporting Indigenous-led monitoring and decision-making to address socioeconomic impacts. Violence against women is both a personal tragedy and a systemic issue that intersects with resource development, economic security, and community wellness. Today, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and promoting Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.

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The socioeconomic subcommittee gathering has come to a close. We ended in a circle, a powerful way to honour the relationships, knowledge and shared purpose of keeping people and communities safer. We are grateful to everyone who shared their voice and energy. Thank you, Mo, for creating the beautiful illustration that captured the knowledge and brilliance from the gathering and participants! A huge thank you to the facilitators, Marcia Turner, Tracy Friedel and many more who made this gathering a success!! Safe travels, everyone.

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Grateful to Christie Charles from the Musqueam Indian Band for welcoming us to your territory and for the beautiful stories and song. Thank you to the Elders Violet and Michael Meguinis from Tsuutina for the circle of prayers, lighting a candle and smudge for all Missing and Murdered Indigenous folks. This morning’s session, we learned about socioeconomic transportation Inequities for Indigenous folks in rural and remote areas with Dr. Tiffany Prete. She talked about how unsafe and unreliable transportation creates real harm, isolating families, limiting access to health care and education, and increasing the risk of violence. Then, we mapped some of the causes of these inequities. Colonial barriers are still here. This afternoon, we discussed the Federal government's Building Canada Act to fast-track and streamline major projects and how we can be ready to promote safety and economy in our Nations.

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As discussions continue at the Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women Gathering, participants have surfaced critical priorities and reflections shaping the dialogue: ● Lack of access to affordable housing and risk of homelessness ● Sex trafficking linked to work camps and non-local workers ● Mental stresses and depression connected to suicide ● Double burden of gender and racialized discrimination ● Heightened drug trade activity A powerful conversation developed about the 550 missing and murdered males in Alberta. We must stop excluding them from these discussions. Violence and vulnerability affect Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and men, and addressing these realities requires inclusive, systemic solutions. These insights reinforce the need to embed safety, security, and wellness into project planning from the outset through Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis Plus (IGBA+), and community- and Indigenous-led oversight.

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A huge shoutout to Mo Dawson, the talented graphic artist who is capturing the heart of our conversations at the SESC Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women Gathering. Mo’s visual storytelling is bringing complex discussions to life; turning priorities, reflections, and ideas into powerful images that speak louder than words. It’s a beautiful way to honour the voices in the room and ensure these insights resonate long after the gathering ends. Thank you, Mo, for your incredible work and creativity! https://www.modawsoncreative.com/

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Today and tomorrow (December 4–5, 2025), the IAMC‑TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) is hosting the Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse People in the Context of the Building Canada Act, 2025 on Musqueam xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Territory (Richmond, BC). This two‑day gathering brings together Indigenous leaders, knowledge holders, and partners to focus on the safety, security (including economic security), and wellness of Indigenous women, girls, two‑spirit and gender diverse (2SLGBTQQIA+) people. We’ll explore what Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) means in the context of accelerated and streamlined infrastructure and resource development stemming from the Building Canada Act, 2025, share wise practices for community safety and oversight, and recognize the importance of Indigenous involvement in condition‑setting and monitoring. The gathering features a range of speakers and engagement activities to surface priorities for future action and research.

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Register now for our Regional Engagement Session in Kamloops on Nov.27. This session is a chance to: • Connect with Nations in your region. • Share your community’s priorities. • Ask questions and guide how IAMC-TMX evolves after the 2025 Line Wide Gathering. Please register for the session closest to your community. Kamloops registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/iamc-tmx-interior-bc-regional-engagement-session-tickets-1838961396039?aff=oddtdtcreator General Regional Engagement information: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/LINEWIDE2025/regionals

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