The Métis gathering, titled “Coming Home” took place at the Prince Albert Exhibition Grounds from October 25-27, 2019. It is intended to promote awareness of Missing and Murdered Métis Women and Girls and to offer support to families and communities who have been impacted by the loss of loved ones.
Following an opening ceremony, several speakers addressed to the participants, including Tammy Mah, President of the Les Filles de Madelaine, RCMP representative Jason Stonechile, Victoria Pruden, Vice-President of the LFMO, Clément Chartier, President of the Métis National Council, Gerald Morin, Vice-President of the MNS, Lisa McCallum, Secretary, of the MNS.
According to an RCMP report, “while Indigenous women make up only 4% of Canada’s female population, 16% of all women murdered in Canada between 1980 and 2012 were indigenous.”
“It is important that we support each other not only in this week’s proceedings but in our daily lives.” said President Mah at her opening remarks, “This is the beginning of a very long process and we look forward to the recommendations that conference participants will offer from this gathering.”
Eleven Missing and Murdered Métis women and girls’ lives and legacies were honoured and commemorated. Among these eleven victims’ families, President Chartier shared his story of his mother, Rosa Chartier, who was murdered when he was 15 years old. After 58 years of her death, her children and grandchildren and their families are still waiting for justice.
President Chartier welcomed the opportunity for sharing his story, and thanked Les Filles de Madelaine President Tammy Mah for organizing the event. “Commemoration is a powerful way to honour truths, support healing, create awareness, and advance reconciliation” said President Chartier.
