To support those impacted by MMIWG2S
Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) Hosted a Conference Tour to help those Impacted by the Tragedies of Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives.
In March 2023, the IRSSS-MMIWG Team hosted a conference in six communities across the province of British Columbia, free and in support of families and communities impacted by the tragedies of missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S).
In total, 500 participants registered for the conference. It was a successful tour. Organizer planned and hosted in six separate locations across BC: Terrace, Prince George, Kamloops, Osoyoos, Chilliwack, and ended in Vancouver. Attendees shared their stories and were supported emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and culturally at each location. IRSSS also provided local and provincial resources to participants if they needed extra community support after the conference.
IRSSS planned for different guest speakers at each location. Which provided opportunities to share personal impact statements, and families felt heard. Participants were able to hear about local initiatives that were taking place in their region by each MMIWG coordinator. We wanted to provide a safe place for families to gather. We wanted to offer free workshops that left the participants feeling supported by giving the following presentations: “How to cope with grief and loss,” “Balancing our spirit,” “How trauma affects the body,” “Impacts of Residential School,” “Red Dress Pin Making.” Also, traditional protocols were followed based on the traditional territories visited.
Gail Jones, IRSSS MMIWG (MISSING AND MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN AND GIRLS) Program Manager, favorite quote from the evaluation forms is:
"I felt like somebody heard me, and my healing started today."
Barbie Whiskeyjack, IRSSS MMIWG Coordinator, Interior Region, “would like to thank everyone who could attend our MMIWG Provincial Tour Event. I felt honored to be a part of your journey as you allowed yourselves to remember and hold space for your loved ones who may no longer be with us or is still missing. I continue to think of you and send love and light to you as I pray for each of you. Continue to lean to the land for support and connection. Musi Cho (means thank you!)."
Chas Coutlee, IRSSS MMIWG Coordinator, received feedback conference participant. “I had another young woman tell me that she has felt alone for most of her life with the murder of her mom, and it was comforting to be supported and surrounded by other people impacted by MMIWG and that it's ok to celebrate as well. I had a realization that I was ready to go back to work. The conference was incredible, and the support was terrific. It is part of our healing. I liked how I was in a safe and welcoming space, and I had fun, and overall, it was a good experience. It was great to feel joy in my body with the dance party and see my family member happy. It was the first time in a long time that we danced and felt comfortable. Thank you".
MMIWG team- “I never expected to have this kind of impact on people by providing a space and safe environment for participants to gather and “I liked sitting with so many beautiful women to share stories, life experiences, love & support one another on every level- yes, laugh. And yes, the dance party.
The IRSSS MMIWG team would like to thank 7Gen AIO Tech Corp for creating a safe place and a beautiful setup. Stay updated on upcoming events here:
If you would like to learn more about the IRSSS – MMIWG team, please get in touch with Gail Jones, MMIWG Program Manager, by emailing GailJones@irsss.ca.