NATIVE WOMEN'S SHELTER OF MONTRÉAL

Published purpose

The Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal (NWSM) project responds to the immediate need for assistance expressed by families and loved ones in the cases where an Indigenous woman or girl (trans, two -spirit) goes missing. NWSM’s aim is reducing and ultimately eradicating the number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (trans, two-spirit) of Quebec and to offer support and ensure adequate, anti-racist response from institutions when someone goes missing, and to reduce barriers in accessing supports. The project goals include: ensuring police file a report and do a proper investigation; ensuring that police adopt best practices in responding to this crisis; assisting families, friends when an Indigenous woman or girl (trans, two-spirit) goes missing and that they have the emotional support during this very difficult time; implementing prevention strategies within a harm reduction model with the community and community partners; developing a welcome kit for Indigenous women and girls (trans, two-spirit) when they are new to the city of Montreal; and, providing a 1-800 number so that anyone can offer tips on MMIW or request help.