Province invests in Indigenous-led solutions, prevention, and survivor supports
Regina – INDIGENOUS NEWS – Six years after the release of the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Government of Saskatchewan continues to advance its response with a series of targeted actions focused on prevention, support, and awareness.
“Our government is committed to addressing the critical issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and creating safe communities for all Saskatchewan residents,” said Saskatchewan’s Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C.
Since the release of the report in 2019, Saskatchewan has worked to expand its services and partnerships, emphasizing collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations. This includes investments in violence prevention programs, public awareness campaigns, and Indigenous-led community safety initiatives.
Funding and Community-Led Projects
Central to the province’s approach is the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ (MMIWG+) Community Response Fund, which allocates $800,000 annually to grassroots Indigenous-led initiatives. The fund, co-supported by Women and Gender Equality Canada, has provided grants of up to $40,000 to 59 projects since 2022.
“From the very beginning, Indigenous knowledge, tradition and lived experience have guided the development and administration of the MMIWG+ Community Response Fund,” said Minister Eric Schmalz, Responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs. “Together, we work to support safety, healing and resilience across Saskatchewan.”
Expanding Survivor and Family Supports
The province also operates a Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) to support families navigating government systems while searching for answers about missing loved ones. To date, the Unit is working with over 170 families province-wide.
Additionally, Saskatchewan was among the first provinces to endorse the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence in 2022, securing $20.3 million over four years to bolster interpersonal violence prevention and survivor services.
“Indigenous women and girls embody strength, resilience and wisdom, yet they are disproportionately impacted by violence and abuse,” said Minister Alana Ross, Responsible for the Status of Women. “Our work is rooted in expanding Indigenous-led programs and providing accessible, trauma-informed supports.”
Raising Awareness, Ending Stigma
Saskatchewan’s “Face the Issue” public awareness campaign continues to run across social media, targeting interpersonal violence and stigma. In 2024–25, the campaign launched a new phase focused on human trafficking, posting materials in public locations to reach vulnerable individuals directly.
The province also supports 211 Saskatchewan, a 24/7 crisis and referral platform for victims of abuse and trafficking.
Earlier this year, the province marked Red Dress Day and Missing Persons Week, honouring missing individuals and reinforcing its ongoing commitment to reconciliation and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
To learn more about Saskatchewan’s MMIWG+ initiatives and community partnerships, visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s news portal.
