Honouring and Advancing the calls for justice on National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+

October 1, 2026NewsFNHA

We invite individuals, workplaces and communities to learn about the root causes of violence and take meaningful steps toward justice and safety

A message from FNHA Chief Executive Officer Monica McAlduff

This article discusses Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse People (MMIWG2S+). Readers are encouraged to care for their well-being and access available support if the content feels difficult or activating, see support resource listing below).

Sunday, Oct. 4, will mark National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse People (MMIWG2S+). Led by Sisters in Spirit Vigils across Canada, this grassroots movement began with families, survivors, advocates and Indigenous communities honouring loved ones who are missing or whose lives were taken while calling for greater awareness, accountability, and change. On Sunday, communities gather to remember, heal, share stories and uplift the voices of those most impacted.

More than a day of remembrance, Oct. 4 is a call to action. It invites individuals, workplaces, and communities to learn about the root causes of violence and to take meaningful steps toward justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people.

Answering the Calls for Justice

In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released its final report, Reclaiming Power and Place. The report included 231 Calls for Justice directed to governments, institutions, service providers, industries and all Canadians. The Calls for Justice identify immediate and long-term actions needed to address violence and uphold the human and First Nations rights of First Nations women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people.

First Nations women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people continue to experience violence and loss at disproportionate rates. By honouring those who are missing or whose lives were taken, supporting families and survivors and advancing the Calls for Justice, we contribute to safer communities grounded in dignity, respect, accountability, and wellness.

MMIWG2S+ remains an urgent social justice and human rights issue. Every act of awareness, solidarity, and action helps build a future where First Nations women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people are safe, valued, and free from violence.

First Nations communities across the country have identified additional dates of significance to honour the lives, spirits, and contributions of MMIWG2S+, while supporting families, survivors, and communities in their pursuit of justice, healing, and safety.

Feb. 14 marks the annual Women’s Memorial March, which began in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in 1992. Communities gather to honour loved ones, support families, and raise awareness about the ongoing impacts of violence.
May 5, known as Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+, shines a light on the disproportionate violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people. It is a day to honour those who are missing or whose lives were taken and to raise awareness of the systemic inequities that continue to impact Indigenous communities.

FNHA’s ongoing work related to MMIWG2S+ recognizes the impacts of colonialism, racism and discrimination on First Nations communities while supporting cultural well-being, healing, safety and First Nations self-determination.