Montreal March Highlights Crisis of Missing Indigenous Women

Montreal witnessed a significant gathering on Saturday as community members marched to honor the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The event was part of a national day of action observed annually on October 4, aimed at addressing the alarming rates of violence faced by this demographic across Canada.

Shirley Pien, a health navigator for an Indigenous-led clinic, frequently visits Cabot Square, a park in downtown Montreal where vulnerable populations often gather. Pien expressed concern about the absence of women she once saw regularly in the area. “In the last few months, there are women we used to see regularly that we don’t see anymore. Nobody knows where they are,” she said, highlighting the urgent need for action regarding their disappearances.

The march was organized by a coalition of local Indigenous groups who believe that all levels of government have failed to act on the recommendations from a 2019 national inquiry. This inquiry, which declared the situation a crisis, identified “persistent and deliberate” human rights violations as central to the violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. The inquiry issued 231 calls to justice, yet organizers argue that few have been adequately addressed.

Simone Page, who leads a shelter supporting families searching for their missing loved ones, emphasized the increased risk of sex trafficking faced by unhoused Indigenous women. “Those who frequent the area around Cabot Square are routinely targeted by traffickers,” she noted, explaining that such individuals often approach their victims under the guise of friendship. Page pointed out that areas like hotels catering to medical patients, as well as airports and bus terminals, are also hotspots for trafficking.

Concerns extend to law enforcement responses, with Page observing that police often delay searches for missing persons for 24 to 48 hours after a report is made. “Those first 24 to 48 hours are essential, especially when it comes to trafficking,” she stated, reinforcing the importance of rapid action.

Adding to the conversation, Native Nam, an author and artist from Kitigan Zibi in Quebec’s Outaouais region, voiced skepticism about official statistics on missing Indigenous women. “Activist groups suggest the true numbers could be much more,” she told attendees. “These are not just numbers. These are our daughters, mothers, aunties, and cousins; they are us.”

In a statement released on the same day, the federal ministry for Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs reaffirmed its commitment to addressing this national crisis. Ministers, including Rebecca Alty and Mandy Gull-Masty, acknowledged the critical role of Indigenous communities in leading local initiatives. They highlighted funding commitments aimed at enhancing community safety, such as the $8.5 million allocated in August for transitional housing for Métis women and children in St. Andrews, Manitoba.

The government has also convened various gatherings involving Indigenous leaders and federal representatives to discuss strategies for tackling the crisis. They have established a national action plan to combat gender-based violence and appointed a chief adviser to focus on human trafficking within the country.

As the march concluded, participants remained hopeful that their voices would be heard. The gathering was not only a remembrance of those who have gone missing but also a call to action for meaningful change. The ongoing efforts to address these issues reflect a growing awareness and urgency regarding the plight of Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 4, 2025.