Today marks one year since the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) released its Final Report, Reclaiming Power and Place. I want to reaffirm the RCMP's commitment to improving relationships with Indigenous communities, supporting survivors and families, and ensuring that investigations are robust, professional and result in justice for the victims and their families.
The RCMP is contributing to the Government of Canada's National Action Plan being co-developed with Indigenous organizations and provincial/territorial governments to address violence against Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ and Two-Spirit people.
Since last June, we have taken action to attract Indigenous applicants, deliver new training, strengthen investigations, and collaborate and consult with Indigenous leaders and Elders. For example, the RCMP has:
- developed two courses for RCMP employees, as part of the Government of Canada's Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, on how to use a trauma-informed approach when conducting investigations, and helping employees better understand the impacts of culture and personal identity on actions, perceptions, interactions and experiences
- updated the Canadian Police College's Human Trafficking course to include Indigenous awareness and human trafficking prevention elements
- created a pilot program for Inuit police officer recruitment in Nunavut to help applicants successfully navigate the RCMP recruitment process
- piloted an innovative new Drive-in Model for policing in northern Manitoba that provides a full-time RCMP presence in remote communities, allowing officers to build and strengthen relationships
- expanded our consultation and engagement with Indigenous leaders and Elders at the national, divisional and local levels, including establishing an Indigenous consultative group of Indigenous academics and advocates that provide input on violence prevention initiatives, operational policy and reconciliation activities
Our investigators remain focused on resolving unsolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls within RCMP jurisdiction, and seeking closure for families. Anyone with information may contact their local RCMP detachment directly or, if they wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Together, we all have a role to play to end violence and ensure the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ and Two-Spirit people.
Brenda Lucki
RCMP Commissioner