At the 25th anniversary conference of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) on June 19, Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kathy Walker, chaired a panel discussion titled Priorities and Lessons on the Crisis of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls.

The panel focused on the issue of MMIWGS+, with panelists focusing on how peace and security issues impact this issue- particularly policing and the criminal Justice system in Canada.

“Addressing gendered violence is essential to upholding the Spirit and Intent of Treaty,” said Commissioner Walker. “It is because of breaches of Treaty that Indigenous women and mothers have been targets of systemic violence.”

The discussion brought together voices with experience in media, law enforcement, research, and advocacy to address the crisis of gendered violence, community safety, and the systemic failures that have endangered Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people across Canada.

Panelists included:
Sheila North, former Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak and a trailblazing journalist, widely recognized for sparking the use of the hashtag #MMIWG2S

Emma Kytwayhat, retired RCMP officer, ceremonial knowledge keeper, and member of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation

Karen Pelletier, retired RCMP officer who shared her frontline experiences as an Indigenous woman in policing

Kerry Benjoe, journalist with Eagle Feather News, speaking to the power of storytelling and lived experience

Sheldon Krasowski, historian and Director of Research at the Office of the Treaty Commissioner, who spoke alongside OTC practicum student Maria Hirsi.