3-1992 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M4S 1Z7

Phone: (416) 363 9933 ext 325

urgentaction@amnesty.ca

September 2013

CANADA

Help end violence against Indigenous women and girls

Canada is generally a very safe country. Tragically, however, not everyone enjoys the same level of safety. Across Canada, hundreds of First Nations, Inuit and Mtis women and girls have gone missing, never to be seen again. Many have later been found murdered. A national Indigenous womens organization, the Native Women's Association of Canada, has documented more than 600 individual stories of women and girls who have been murdered over the last 20 years, or who have been missing for so long that they are feared dead. Racism and discrimination are a big part of the problem. Many Indigenous women and girls also do not have good access to things like emergency shelters that they need to stay safe. There is also evidence that some men specifically target Indigenous women and girls for violent acts of hatred. And families who have lost sisters and daughters say that police often dont do enough when Indigenous women and girls go missing. Indigenous women across Canada have been speaking out against violence for decades. International human rights bodies have also called for action. Shockingly, while the Canadian government has acknowledged the seriousness of the threats to Indigenous women and girls, it has no plan in place to help address these threats. Its up to all of us to speak out.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Please write a short, polite letter to the Prime Minister. Begin by telling the Prime Minister your age and a little bit about yourself. Then let the him know that much more needs to be done to address the serious and widespread threats to the lives and safety of Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Ask the Prime Minister to make sure that the police record accurate information about the rates of violence faced by First Nations, Inuit and Mtis women and girls so that these crimes arent hidden from sight to do more to reduce the poverty and discrimination that put Indigenous women and girls at risk to work closely with Indigenous women to make sure that their real needs are addressed in a coordinated and comprehensive national plan of action. End your message with Yours sincerely, your name and address. You may receive a reply.

WHERE DO I SEND MY MESSAGE?

The Honourable Stephen Harper Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2 Postage: E-mail: Free. Just put your envelope in the mail box without a stamp. stephen.harper@parl.gc.ca

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

On October 4th each year, cities and towns across Canada hold vigils to honour the lives of Indigenous women and girls. The vigils are open to everyone and attending one is a great way to show that your community cares. You can find a vigil near you at: http://www.nwac.ca/www.nwac.ca/2013-vigil-locations Educators: You can find an excellent guide to the issues on the Native Womens Association of Canada website at http://www.nwac.ca/files/download/NWAC_Community%20Resource%20Guide.pdf