Statement - Ministers Alty, Gull-Masty, Chartrand, and Valdez issue a statement of support on the 35th Annual Women's Memorial March

OTTAWA, ON, UNCEDED ALGONQUIN TRADITIONAL TERRITORY, Feb. 14, 2026 /CNW/ - Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty; Minister of Indigenous Services Mandy Gull-Masty; Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs Rebecca Chartrand; Minister of Women and Gender Equality Canada and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) Rechie Valdez issued the following statement:

"The people who gathered on February 14, 1992, united in mourning over the tragic murder of a First Nations woman in the Downtown Eastside area of Vancouver, had an important message for the nation: We need to do better by Indigenous women and girls. Today, on the 35th Annual Women's Memorial March, that call for a collective commitment to action is as important as ever.

Over the past year, we have taken meaningful steps forward. Under the guidance and leadership of Giganawenimaanaanig, the Red Dress Alert pilot project engagement concluded and their final report has been released. Such an alert would notify communities quickly when an Indigenous woman, girl, or 2SLGBTQI+ person goes missing to help return them to safety. We advanced the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People by expanding Indigenous–led initiatives, strengthening local partnerships, and increasing access to culturally grounded supports. We are also continuing the work under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence for coordinated action across the country to prevent and address gender-based violence under Pillar #4: Indigenous-led approaches.

At the 2026 annual National Indigenous-Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People, we also worked with partners to develop recommendations to reduce the safety risks linked to major projects development. Considerations include guarding against human trafficking and other forms of sexual exploitation and violence impacting Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People.

We remain guided by the strength and determination of Indigenous Peoples, including survivors, families, and communities who have carried this work forward for generations. Their leadership lights the path ahead and reminds us why this work cannot slow down."

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

Media Relations, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-934-2302, [email protected]; Media Relations, Indigenous Services Canada, 819-953-1160, [email protected]