“This Is Just the Beginning”: Jack on MMIW March

More than 150 residents joined together in a peaceful march throughout downtown Merritt on Saturday to address that more needs to be done to create awareness and educate people on the plight of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW) in Canada.

The event was among the many held throughout Canada to recognize the issue facing Indigenous women not only in British Columbia but globally according to co-ordinators Danielle Jack and Shavonne Mountain.

Jack was elated with the turnout on Saturday.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the turnout,” said Danielle Jack. ” The community came together to show their solidarity with us and it means so much. My heart is so full.”

While the actual number of MMIW in Canada has been disputed over the years, a 2014 RCMP report stated that between 1980 and 2012 more than 1,200 Indigenous women were murdered or have been reported missing. However, that number is believed to be closer to four thousand by many Canadian Indigenous Women’s Groups.

“This is a worldwide genocide,” Jack added. “The numbers are staggering and we need to take steps to draw attention to this matter.”

Jack, an abduction survivor herself, was happy to see not only Indigenous people attend the march but people from many different backgrounds.

“Everyone is represented here today,” she beamed. “People need to realize that not only Indigenous women are assaulted and murdered every day but transgender, gay and young men are also targeted as well. We all need to send a message that we will be silent no more.”

Co-organizer Shavonne Mountain was grateful for the huge turnout especially those who brought drums and noisemakers.

“It was great seeing the drummers and the people bring noisemakers and signs to the walk,” Mountain said. “We have received a lot of support here today but now the momentum needs to keep growing.”

Saturday’s initiative was a Canada-wide March to “Paint Canada Red” with similar events held in British Columbia and across the country.

“People need to remember that the work doesn’t stop here,” Jack added. “Every day an indigenous person goes missing in Canada and our people are 12-times more likely to be murdered or go missing. The carnage needs to end.”

Jack added that people can continue to contribute ideas and support through their movement #UNsafeCAD