Canada’s Prime Minister says, “More education is needed, The truth must be told and all Canadians must stand with Indigenous peoples against injustice.” Justin Trudeau spoke at the launch of the National Action Plan on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.

He explained that the National Inquiry called for this action plan, which includes work from federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments to end systemic causes of violence. The Prime Minister announced $2.2-billion in federal funding which is part of the $18-billion announced in the budget to improve Indigenous peoples’ lives and advance reconciliation. The federal plan focuses on the themes of culture, health and wellness, security and safety, and justice.

Trudeau also acknowledged the news that the remains of 215 children were found at the Kamloops Residential School, saying it is horrific, but for the survivors, it is all too believable.

Saskatchewan’s Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant says, “The National Inquiry provided an important voice to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.” He says.  “Saskatchewan will continue to work with our federal, provincial and Indigenous partners to take action against gendered violence, foster healing for victims and survivors, and bring safety and justice to our communities.”

The province says it has renewed its efforts to create spaces that are inclusive of Indigenous cultures, such as the redeveloped Prince Albert Victoria Hospital, and continues to invest in cultural awareness training for public servants.

In January, the Government of Saskatchewan increased the available funding for its First Nations and Métis Community Partnership Program to $400,000.  The province says this fiscal year, the program focused on initiatives related to issues raised by the National Inquiry into MMIWG.

The province provides a number of services to support victims of interpersonal violence and abuse.  These include housing and shelter assistance, culturally-informed child protection services, and education and awareness activities.  As a recent example, the Face the Issue campaign – a multi-year public awareness effort translated into French, Cree, and Dene – challenges the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to interpersonal violence and abuse.

The government says Saskatchewan has taken a number of steps to bring justice to Indigenous communities, working with Indigenous organizations to support a variety of restorative and community justice programs that work to reduce overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.

Saskatchewan also participates in the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership and facilitates the work of the Family Information Liaison Unit within the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General.

Since January 2018, the province has appointed five judges who have self-declared as Indigenous, three of them women.

The government says the Saskatchewan Health Authority works with knowledge keepers and traditional healers to deliver culturally-affirming health services.

The National Action Plan can be found at here  and the Saskatchewan Response Paper can be found here.