Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirit (MMIWG2S):Incorporating Awareness into Adult Learning
Faye Beauchamp, Indigenous Liaison
The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirit peoples (MMIWG2S) is a human rights issue affecting Indigenous communities across Canada. Thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people have gone missing or been murdered, yet their cases often receive little attention from law enforcement, media, and policymakers. Addressing this crisis requires education, advocacy, and change. One powerful way to create awareness is through adult learning programs.
MMIWG2S is rooted in colonial violence, systemic racism, and the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous communities. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls final report revealed that, "Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than any other women in Canada, and 16 times more likely than Caucasian women" (Volume 1a, p. 55-56). The report concludes that the crisis amounts to genocide, driven by discrimination, economic instability, and legal barriers that prevent justice.
Despite these alarming statistics, mainstream education often overlooks MMIWG2S. Adult learning environments such as universities, community colleges, workplace training programs, and informal learning spaces, provide opportunities to address this issue, promote social justice, and empower learners to take action by:
1. Hosting Workshops
Community learning spaces can invite Indigenous activists, scholars, and family members of MMIWG2S victims to share their experiences and insights. These sessions provide powerful, firsthand perspectives and encourage learners to engage with the issue beyond textbooks.
2. Encourage Media Literacy
Many MMIWG2S cases receive little to no media coverage. Adult learners can examine how media portrays (or ignores) Indigenous issues, compare coverage of MMIWG2S cases to cases involving non-Indigenous victims, and explore ways to advocate for better representation.
3. Developing Action-Oriented Learning
Education should inspire action. Adult learning programs can participate in community awareness events, such as Red Dress campaigns and encourage students to support Indigenous-led organizations. They can also provide resources for learners to support MMIWG2S families and initiatives.
Adult learners, whether they are students, professionals, or lifelong learners, have the power to influence change. By educating themselves and others, they can challenge systemic discrimination, amplify Indigenous voices, and advocate for policies that protect Indigenous women and girls.
The MMIWG2S crisis is not just an Indigenous issue—it is a human rights issue. Through intentional and informed adult education, we can honor the lives lost, support affected families, and work toward justice.
How to Get Involved
• Learn more from organizations like the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) and Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC).
• Share information on MMIWG2S within your workplace, school, or community.
• Support Indigenous-led initiatives that fight for justice and systemic change.
By incorporating MMIWG2S awareness into adult learning, we move one step closer to breaking the cycle of violence and ensuring that Indigenous women, girls and 2 spirit peoples are no longer ignored.