One Year Anniversary of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Report

Date: May 12, 2020
Classification: Unclassified
Fully releasable (ATIP) Yes
Branch / Agency: RCMP

Issue: The RCMP’s update on activities in support of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Report.

Proposed Response:

Background:
The RCMP remains committed to improving the relationship with Indigenous communities, supporting survivors and families, and ensuring that investigations are robust, professional and result in justice for the victims and their families.

The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) was released on June 3, 2019.

The National Inquiry into MMIWG was launched in 2016 to examine and report on systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls. It was further directed to make recommendations on concrete actions to remove systemic causes of violence and improve the safety of Indigenous women and girls, as well as propose ways to honour those who have died or gone missing.

Following the 2019 release of Reclaiming Power and Place, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada led the review and assessment of the MMIWG Calls for Justice, and is establishing collaborative and multi-agency efforts to prevent violence against Indigenous women and girls and Two-Spirit-LGBTQQIA+ people. These consultations are necessary as the Government of Canada works toward its MMIWG National Action Plan. The RCMP is part of these consultations and is continuing to engage in dialogue with other federal departments, as well as Indigenous groups and advisory councils on next steps.

The RCMP is also assessing the Calls for Justice against current activities, and has undertaken significant work over the last several years that aligns with the Calls for Justice, and other reports including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls for Action.

There are a number of examples showing how the RCMP has already made several changes to its policies, procedures and training over the course of the Inquiry, including:

Trauma-Informed and Cultural Awareness Training
As part of the Government of Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, the RCMP has developed two courses for RCMP employees aimed at educating trainees on how to use a trauma-informed approach when conducting investigations, as well as helping employees better understand the impacts of culture and personal identity on actions, perceptions, interactions and experiences.

Communication with Families
For several years, the RCMP has been working on improving communication and implementing a number of new initiatives relating to missing persons investigations. The RCMP continually reviews, updates or creates new operational policies based on a number of internal and external factors or reviews. As part of the RCMP’s Missing Persons Strategy, an updated Missing Persons Policy was published in 2016 and updated in 2019.

Additional changes to RCMP procedures were also introduced as a result of hearing the testimony of families. For instance, RCMP officers are now directed to refrain from using “mug shots” unless another image is not available.

Ongoing and Resolved MMIWG Cases
In 2014 and 2015, the RCMP produced two comprehensive reports on the issue of MMIWG. These reports have helped to guide our ongoing efforts in developing policy, operational practices, and proactive preventative initiatives.

The RCMP remains focused on resolving unsolved cases of MMIWG and Two-Spirit-LGBTQQIA+ people within its jurisdiction, and seeking closure for families. Anyone with information may contact their local RCMP detachment directly or, if they wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers.

Building Relationships with Indigenous Communities
The RCMP has several Indigenous advisory committees nationally and divisionally that advise senior leadership on the delivery of policing services in Indigenous communities.

The RCMP’s primary mandate remains the prevention of crime and the maintenance of peace and order. The organization provides policing services to hundreds of Indigenous communities and contributing to safer and healthier Indigenous communities is one of the five organizational strategic priorities and a critical component of the RCMP service delivery model. 

A key priority for the RCMP is to take a collaborative and community-driven approach to reconciliation. Starting along the path of strengthening relationships, the RCMP is engaging in dialogue with Indigenous communities, Elders, youth, employees and advisory partners across Canada. 

Indigenous Representation within the Workforce and Recruiting
The RCMP is committed to attracting a diverse workforce and participates in career presentations, workshops, career fairs, youth camps, and special events held in a number of cities and towns throughout the year, including targeted events for Indigenous and other employment equity groups.

As of April 1, 2020, the RCMP counted 1,397 Regular Members who self-identified as Indigenous, which accounts for 7.2% of its sworn officer workforce. Since April 1, 2019, the RCMP hired 35 new Indigenous recruits. 

Contacts:
Prepared by: Dr. Maryanne Pearce, Special Advisor, National Crime Prevention and Indigenous Policing Services, RCMP (613-867-6346)
Approved by: Brian Brennan, Deputy Commissioner, Contract and Indigenous Policing, RCMP (613-617-1124)

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