Systemic Injustice and the Crisis of Missing and Murdered Women and Girls

The crisis of Missing and Murdered Women and Girls (MMWG) is, first and foremost, a serious and ongoing human rights issue that deeply affects Indigenous communities across North America. For decades, Indigenous women and girls have faced very high rates of violence, disappearances, and murders; sadly, their cases have often been ignored or poorly investigated. In response, in countries such as Canada and the United States, families, community leaders, and activists have worked hard to bring
awareness of these injustices and demand accountability and change.

Moreover, the movement for Missing and Murdered Women and Girls not only seeks justice for victims and their loved ones but also calls for real changes to fix the root causes of violence, including racism, poverty, and the lasting effects of colonial policies.

Speaking Their Names: Stories of Love, Loss, and Accountability

Building on this foundation, the following episodes strengthen the call for justice by focusing on the lives, voices, and memories of the women and families affected. For example, Episode 1 begins with Georgina Papin, whose story highlights the need for both evidence and justice, and then continues with Mona Lee Wilson, who is remembered through her brother’s words of love and loss. As the series unfolds, family members, Elders, activists, and community leaders speak openly about neglect, poverty, unfair treatment of women, and failures in law enforcement. At the same time, ceremony, song, and memorial gatherings show that remembering these women is a powerful act of resistance.

Colonial Harm to Collective Healing

Furthermore, later episodes explore the lasting impact of residential schools, foster care, and trauma passed down through generations, showing how colonial systems made people more vulnerable and easier for predators to target. In addition, speakers discuss failed investigations, internal conflicts within law enforcement, and the ongoing need for accountability. Ultimately, the series moves beyond grief toward healing, unity, and strong Indigenous leadership, reminding us that women are sacred, their voices are powerful, and communities will not forget.

EPISODE 1 — The Feminine

Missing Murdered Indigenous Women / Moon Water
EPISODE 1 CH 1
Georgina Papin: Evidence & Justice

To begin, Georgina Papin was one of six women whose cases led to the conviction of a serial killer. Above all, her life mattered; therefore, her family continues to grieve her loss. Through this episode, we honour Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and recognize Georgina — along with the strength of those who continue to speak her name.

#MMIWG #JusticeForGeorgina #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 CH 2
Mona Lee Wilson and Foster Care: A Brother Remembers

Next, Mona Lee Wilson is remembered as more than a statistic. In a heartfelt reflection, her brother shares how amazing his little sister was and the pain she carried from foster care. Importantly, Mona was one of six victims whose cases contributed to the conviction of serial killer Robert Pickton. Her DNA helped secure justice.

#MMIWG #SayHerName #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 CH 3
We Are Not Going to Forget

As the story continues, family and friends honour Georgina Papin through story and song. Together, they declare, “We are not going to forget.” In dedication, all episodes are devoted to the Missing Murdered Women of BC.


#MMIWG #NeverForget #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 CH 4
Sisterly Love Family & Belonging

In this chapter, at Georgina’s memorial, her sisters speak about love, belonging, and the strength of family. Through ceremony, we are reminded that remembrance is resistance.

#MMIWG #FamilyStrong #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 CH 5 
Systemic Neglect, National Shame, Money & Patriarchy

Beyond personal loss, poverty, racism, and indifference made vulnerable women easy targets. Consequently, loved ones of the victims speak openly about the systems that failed them.

#Justice #EndViolence #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 CH 6
A Street Nurse Speaks & Fear to Report

Furthermore, the late street nurse Bonnie Fournier explains how fear kept women from reporting violence to authorities. As a result, trust was built on the streets — where protection should have existed.

#DowntownEastside #MMIWG2S #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 CH 7
Women’s Voices & Idle No More

Meanwhile, Stewart Phillip and community leaders speak at Idle No More about the sacred value of women’s lives. Significantly, women’s voices are governance.

#IdleNoMore #WomenAreSacred #MMIWG2S @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 – CH 8
Foster Care & Vulnerability.
She Would like Her Story Told

Looking back, before she became one of the Missing and Murdered, Mona was a child in foster care. Therefore, this episode reflects on how systems meant to protect often cause harm instead.

#FosterCare #MMIWG2S #Truth

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 – CH 9
Women Bring Families Together.
Family Responsibilities 

In addition, Grand Chief Stewart Phillip shares how women’s voices unite families in grief and resistance. Through their leadership, Indigenous women speak about responsibility, love, and survival.

#IndigenousWomen #Strength #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 1 Ch 10
Protectors & Healers

At the same time, memorial gardens and gatherings honour women as protectors, healers, and life-givers. Through ceremonies, their spirits remain near.

#SacredWomen #MMIWG #Remember @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 1 CH 11
A Song for East Vancouver

A songwriter honours a murdered woman whose body was discarded in East Vancouver. In this way, music carries memory where justice failed.


#SayHerName #EastVan #MoonWater

EPISODE 2 — The Community

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 2 CH 1
Community Mourning

As the journey continues, the community mourns Ashley Machiskinik, Stephanie Lane, Mona Lee Wilson and 50 plus Missing Murdered Women and Girls. Together, families share grief — and love that never ends.

#MMIWG #CommunityHealing #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 2 CH 2
The Untouchables

Moreover, an Elder, activist, and poet reflect on addiction and vulnerability. Through creative expression, “The Untouchables” reveals how predators target the unprotected.

#EndExploitation #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 2 CH 3
Suspicious Deaths – Law Enforcement Failures

At the institutional level, Angela Marie MacDougall of Battered Women’s Support Services addresses leaked documents, racism, sexism, and investigative failures within police forces. Simultaneously, Shining Eagle Woman (CJ) speaks about recovery and the dangers of sex trade work.

#Accountability #MMIWG #Justice @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 2 – Ch 4
Residential School Legacy

Importantly, survivors and their children speak about intergenerational trauma, addiction, and resilience. As a consequence of colonial harm, the crisis of Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls continues as whispering echoes travel across continents.

#TruthAndReconciliation #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 2 Ch 5
Lured to the Farm

In a painful revelation, Eagle Claw describes how predators lured vulnerable women — including his sister — to the farm where many were murdered by the pig farmer (we do not say his name because that gives this murdering butcher’s legacy energy). Here, the truth is confronted directly.

#MMIWG #NeverAgain #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 2 Chapter 6
Lost Childhoods

Similarly, stories of abuse and stolen innocence expose patterns endured by many Missing Murdered women. And Girls. Through compassion and honesty, these realities are acknowledged.

#BreakTheCycle #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 2 – Ch 7
Fleeing Violence

For many, young people flee rural violence only to face further danger in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Thus, we ask: how do we protect them?

#ProtectOurYouth #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
EPISODE 2 CHAPTER 8
They Saved Me

Despite hardship, Joni Miller reflects on performing at bars on Hastings Street and witnessing vulnerability of Indigenous women firsthand. Likewise, Marlene Henry rises above poverty through love for her children. Ultimately, love becomes survival.

#Resilience #IndigenousMothers #MoonWater @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 2 Ch 9
Love and Forgive Me

Even so, returning home from the streets requires courage, forgiveness, and gratitude. Encouragingly, healing and second chances are possible.

#HealingJourney #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 2 Ch 10
Living with Loss

In reflection, a sister shares how Mona’s murder changed her life and strengthened her commitment to family.


#FamilyFirst #MMIWG2S @jasperrita

EPISODE 3 — The Law

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 1
Law Enforcement Infighting

Turning back to accountability, Angela Marie MacDougall calls out decades of police inaction, racism, sexism, and systemic disregard for Missing and Murdered women.

#JusticeDelayed #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 2
Dependency & Survival

Meanwhile, Kelly White addresses the lack of legal action over the decades. At the same time, Eagle Claw and Ernie Crey reflect on survival in the Downtown Eastside and systems that maintain poverty.

#SystemicChange #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 3
East Hastings

On the ground, stories from East Hastings honour the MMIWG and reveal how communities and individuals depended on one another to survive.

#EastHastings #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 4
Indigenous Seers Find Body Parts

In a powerful account, Kelly White speaks about her murdered cousin, police inactivity, and traditional seers who located her cousin’s remains.

#EndSexualViolence #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 5
Rape

Courageously, Joni Miller recounts fending off a rapist and navigating justice systems while working at a Rape Crisis Centre.

#EndRape @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 6
System Lenient on Violent Offenders

Once again, Eagle shares his sister’s story. In response to the inquiry, Chief Stewart Phillip inspires continued marches and remembrance of “those angels.”

#PublicInquiries #MemorialMarch #MMIWG @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 7
Children, Epic Fail & Red Dresses

As frustration grows, families speak about underfunding and injustice within the inquiry process. Symbolically, the Red Dress represents stolen sisters and daughters.

#RedDress #EpicFail #HumanRights #MMIWG #SayHerName @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 8
Human Rights Violations & Patriarchal Colonialism

Historically, Indigenous women’s governance was disrupted by colonial patriarchy. Now, balance and Indigenous law are being reclaimed.

#Decolonize #IndigenousGovernance #MMIWG

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 9
Matriarchy vs Colonialism

Expanding the conversation, Angela Marie MacDougall discusses how colonialism treated women as property and silenced their voices. At the same time, other leaders call for unity and respect. Brandy Kane talks about how Indigenous men respected the role of women even while dealing with colonizers. Kelly White talks about how everyone can unite together.

#Feb14 #MMIWG #WaterIsLife @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 10 
Unity & Ceremony

Ultimately, reflections on the Women’s Water Ceremony, Memorial March and other commemorations highlight unity, honour, and ceremony as pathways forward.

#WaterCeremony #GoodRaceRelations @jasperrita

MMIWG Moon Water
Episode 3 Ch 11
Put Our Differences Aside

In closing, Eagle Claw urges us to set aside prejudice to protect our loved ones. Together, Georgina Papin’s family and friends sing a cleansing song and affirm: we are not going to forget.

#WeRemember #MMIWG #MoonWater @jasperrita