Statement - Ministers Alty, Gull-Masty, Chartrand, and Valdez issue a statement of support on Sisters in Spirit Day and the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people

OTTAWA, ON -- Traditional Unceded Algonquin Territory, Oct. 4, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, Ministers Alty, Gull-Masty, Chartrand, and Valdez issued the following statement:

"Today, we honour the lives, memories, and spirits of the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people who have gone missing or been murdered. We acknowledge the brave work of the survivors, families, and communities who continue to carry immense pain and loss as they seek justice, healing, and safety. We are united in our dedication to ending this national crisis.

The most important work is being led by Indigenous Peoples at the community level. That is why we are funding initiatives like shelters and projects that improve community safety and well-being. For example, we recently announced combined funding of over $8.5 million for the Infinity Women's Secretariat to provide safe and supportive homes for women and their children leaving violent homes or coming out of emergency shelters. We also support women's and 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, such as the Edmonton 2 Spirit Society, to help them break barriers, build capacity, and secure a seat at decision-making tables, driving systemic change toward a more inclusive economy and society.

We will build on past efforts to strengthen Canada's response to the crisis, such as the National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People that brings together governments and partners, advancing the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, and appointing the first Chief Advisor to Combat Human Trafficking.

This complements ongoing efforts through the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People, which places Indigenous-led solutions at its core.

As strong women voices in Cabinet, we will not stop until safety, dignity, and freedom from violence are the lived reality of every Indigenous woman, girl, and 2SLGBTQI+ person in Canada."

Taking care

There is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line that provides mental health support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. For assistance, call 1-844-413-6649.

Support is also available through the MMIWG health and cultural support services.

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SOURCE Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

For more information, media may contact: Alec Wilson, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, [email protected], 1-819-661-1538; Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]