Our Mission

The Iskweu Project seeks to address the issue of MMIWG2S+ in Quebec. We aim to provide direct support to families, survivors, and individuals at risk, we aim to break systemic barriers, advocate for justice, and ensure culturally informed and proportionate responses from institutions.

What is the MMIWG2S+ Crisis?

The crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, trans, and 2-Spirit people is deeply rooted in Canada’s colonial history. It reflects systemic racism, discrimination, and the ongoing trauma experienced by Indigenous communities.

Violence against Indigenous women and girls, trans and 2-spirit people is a recurrent theme in Canada's colonial history. The context of MMIWGT2S+ intertwines with the trauma lived by Indigenous peoples as a result of assimilationist policies (that especially target women and children) and the attempted cultural genocide against all Indigenous peoples. The issue of MMIWG2S+ was declared a national epidemic in 2016, but these intersecting issues have arisen since colonial contact.

For more than 30 years, families, organizations, and activists have been calling on all levels of government and the public to bring light to this national crisis that continues to affect Indigenous women, girls, trans, and 2-spirit people. Today, years after the completion of the National Inquiry, only 2 of the 231 Calls to Justice have been completed. We encourage everyone to read the Calls to Justice to see how you may be able to take action in your personal or professional life. Please reach out to the Iskweu project if you would like to collaborate.

These are the areas that the Iskweu project will focus on:

• Access to housing and shelter services

• Access to addiction medicine and harm reduction services

• Access to mental health supports

• Access to domestic violence services

• Support and harm reduction for those involved in sex work

• Increased awareness among service providers

Project Goals

• Ensure proper police response and investigation in MMIWG2S+ cases.

• Advocate for best practices in law enforcement and community services.

• Provide emotional support to families and survivors.

• Develop prevention strategies using a harm-reduction model.

• Help families navigate the legal system.

• Help families get access to information and resources.

• Be a hub for communication and referrals to services.

• Provide outreach services to ensure those most at risk are prioritized.

• To raise awareness of the issue through marches, vigils, and media

• To implement prevention strategies within a harm reduction model with the community and community partners

For immediate assistance, please contact:

• SOS Violence Conjugale: 1-800-363-9010

• Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310