Students Demand Justice for Missing Women - Mother's Day brings memories of loved ones

    OTTAWA, May 11 /CNW Telbec/ - This Mother's Day, students are joining in
solidarity with the families of those with missing daughters, sisters, mothers
and other loved ones, in remembering missing and murdered Aboriginal women.
This coalition demands that action be taken to bring justice for the missing
women across Canada.
    "Young Indigenous women are at least five times more likely than other
women of the same age to die as a result of violence," said Amanda Aziz,
National Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. "This shocking
fact demands government action."
    Communities across the country are holding events this weekend to raise
awareness about missing Aboriginal women and to take a stand for justice,
equality, and accountability for missing and murdered Aboriginal women and the
families left behind. In conjunction with the events, students are calling on
all levels of government to take whatever measures necessary to prevent
attacks on women, and to bring those responsible for violence to justice.
    "The real dangers faced by Indigenous women in our communities must be
recognized and prioritized by the federal government," said Mike White,
National Aboriginal Representative of the Canadian Federation of Students.
"The underlying factors of colonization, poverty and inequity that place so
many Indigenous women in harms way must be immediately addressed."

    Founded in 1981, the Canadian Federation of Students is Canada's largest
student organization, uniting over one-half million students from all ten
provinces. The National Aboriginal Caucus of the Canadian Federation of
Students is the national voice of Aboriginal students at universities and
colleges in Canada.

For further information: or to arrange an interview: Mike White,
National Aboriginal Representative, (604) 516-4515 (cellular); Amanda Aziz,
National Chairperson, (613) 261-7528 (cellular)