In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released its 231 Calls for Justice in an effort to stop the ongoing colonial genocide perpetrated against Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited individuals.

This Inquiry was a direct result of the 2015 Calls for Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in particular Call 41, which states, “We call upon the federal government, in consultation with Aboriginal organizations, to appoint a public inquiry into the causes of, and remedies for, the disproportionate victimization of Aboriginal women and girls.” The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (or UNDRIP), of which Canada is now a signatory, states that “particular attention shall be paid to the rights and special needs of indigenous elders, women, youth, children and persons with disabilities in the implementation of this Declaration.”

The time for declarations and calls has passed. It is time for action. We the students and staff of Prince Edward Collegiate Institute call upon all levels of government to work together in order to enact all Calls to Action within their purview, engage with the Calls for Justice and adhere to the tenets of UNDRIP in order to bring about tangible results in the fight against discrimination and violence against Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirited individuals.

The violence faced by Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited Individuals is a direct result of colonization, the Indian Act, and other systemic issues. It is everyone’s duty to do better, work toward decolonization, and reconciliation.

When we know better, we do better.

The concerned students of PECI