Gender-Based Violence and Reconciliation

Addressing gender-based violence requires a sustained focus on reconciliation.  The legacy and continuation of colonialism, racism, sexism and exclusion creates and exacerbates personal, systemic and structural violence against Indigenous people. As a result, Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately affected by violence, including intimate partner violence and sexual violence. They represent the significant majority of missing and murdered women in Canada.

Following the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, the Manitoba government unanimously ratified The Path to Reconciliation Act, which can be accessed at: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/bills/40-5/b018e.php

The principles of respect, engagement, understanding and action guide government’s efforts towards reconciliation. Manitoba’s commitment to reconciliation has a particular focus on addressing the persistent and long-standing negative impacts of residential schools and reconciling relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of Manitoba.

The Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations leads Manitoba’s participation in the development of a reconciliation strategy. This work includes a public engagement process in collaboration with Indigenous communities and all Manitobans, and the development of a comprehensive reconciliation framework and action plan for advancing Indigenous priorities.

Each year, the government reports on its progress towards reconciliation through The Path to Reconciliation Act Annual Progress Report. The reports can be accessed at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/inr/reconciliation-strategy/index.html