Indigenous, gender-diverse Matriarchs Circle to advise, inform Manitoba’s MMIWG2S strategy

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/03/2024 (575 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Manitoba government’s new Matriarchs Circle of advisers met for the first time at the legislature Thursday to offer their experience and advice in protecting Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.

“This space was never meant for Indigenous women,” Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine told a news conference outside the chamber.

Fontaine, also the minister responsible for women and gender equity, was flanked by the 18-member circle that will meet at least twice a year, on the summer and winter solstices.

“This is an opportunity to claim space and reclaim space,” she said. “In the midst of an ongoing genocide against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirited, it’s a way to symbolically, in many ways, say that ‘enough is enough’.

“We’re taking up our space — we’re taking up our rightful place.”

The circle includes Afro-Indigenous, Anishinaabe, Anisininew, Cree, Dakota, Dene, Inuit, Métis, youth and gender-diverse representatives from across Manitoba with a range of skills and experience. Actor and former Churchill MP Tina Keeper is among them.

The members are not paid, said Fontaine.

“This is Indigenous women gathering in a circle and bringing together their love, their dedication, their commitment, their expertise and their wisdom to do the work of keeping Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirited safe,” Fontaine said.

When asked if the Matriarchs Circle will have any input on moving forward with the search of the Prairie Green Landfill — where police believe the remains of two murdered Indigenous women are buried — Fontaine said it will focus more on prevention.

“Ultimately, our government wants to prevent any more murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirited,” she said. The Matriarchs Circle will help to inform the provincial MMIWG2S strategy, she said.

“There’s also an opportunity and a fundamental need for us to also celebrate Indigenous women to highlight and lift up all the amazing work Indigenous women are doing.”

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca