Manitoba Moon Voices Inc. and its members stand with the relatives of Rebecca Contois, Doris Trout, and Tessa Perry. We send our love and support to their loved ones.

One important step in the battle to end the violence is providing a safe space for women, girls, and gender diverse individuals who are in danger.  Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre, Leah Gazan, called on the federal government to fund a 24/7 shelter for those fleeing violence.

Video Clip:  Leah Gazan’s Call for Support

This call for funding aligns with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls call for justice 4.7.

“We call on all governments to support the establishment and long-term sustainable funding of Indigenous-led low-barrier shelters, safe spaces, transition homes, second-stage housing, and services for Indigenous women, girls, and (LGBTTQ+) people who are homeless, near homeless, dealing with food insecurity, or in poverty, and who are fleeing violence or have been subjected to sexualized violence and exploitation.”

We need to hold the federal government to their promises to support Velma’s House to be open 24/7 and to be a safe, secure, sustainable place for women and those who identify as female who are trying to escape violence.

The loss of Rebecca, Doris, and Tessa can make us feel powerless, or it can be a rallying cry for change. There are things that we can do to make Manitoba safer for Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse individuals:

  1. Share the Honorable Leah Gazan’s message with your contacts.
  2. Call your Member of Parliament and demand they support the full funding of Velma’s House.

When we stand together as a community, we are strong.  Now more than ever, we need to support each other, stand together, and end this epidemic of violence.

In the spirit of our ancestors,

Shannon Hoskie
A/Executive Director
Manitoba Moon Voices Inc.

 

Support is Available

The events of the last two weeks are traumatic.  If you feel you need support, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls hosts an independent, national, toll-free support line that is available to anyone who requires assistance. This line is free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Support Line: 1-844-413-6649