**CHIEFS OF ONTARIO NEWS RELEASE**

Today, Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald and Chiefs of Ontario stand in support and honour the lives of Missing and Murder Indigenous Women, Girls, Two Spirit, and Trans and their families and communities this October 4th, the 13th Annual Sisters in Spirit Day. 

 Sisters in Spirit vigils are being held across Canada today to commemorate and raise awareness for those Indigenous women that have gone missing or murdered. The high rates of Missing and Murder Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada are staggering and have tremendous emotional and spiritual impacts on First Nations families, youth and communities. October 4th is not only devoted to educational awareness, but also a day for our communities and nations to come together and heal.

“We are standing behind the families today as we keep the MMIWG2ST in our hearts. We must continue this dialogue and support each other as we make space for families to grieve and acknowledge that these women are loved,” said Regional Chief Archibald. “I continue to hold a vision of our women and girls being safe and protected and always treated with dignity and respect.  We want our girls to grow up knowing they are valued and that they can reach their highest and full potential. I encourage each Canadian to attend a “Sisters in Spirit” vigil today to honour the legacies these women have left behind and to also remember, Indigenous women are strong and resilient. We are not alone.”

The First Nations Women’s Caucus, coordinated through the Chiefs of Ontario, support the vigils honouring the lives of these daughters, sisters, mothers, aunties and their grieving families who are also victims.

“We are calling for accountability and responsibility today and praying for justice for these young women and girls,” stated Donna Debassige, of the First Nations Women’s Caucus. “Tonight, we will light our candles and acknowledge our lost and stolen sisters, and shine a light in for them and work to ensure they receive the justice they deserve.”

Ontario Regional Chief RoseAnne Archibald