Tag: Moon Water

Across Canada and North America, thousands of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) have been lost to violence. For decades, many cases were ignored or under-investigated. Today, remembering MMIWG is more than mourning—it is an act of resistance against systemic injustice. MMIWG remembrance is injustice resistance.

This crisis—known as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG)—is not only a tragedy; it is widely recognized as a human rights issue rooted in systemic injustice, hence I am proposing it as a CRISIS. MMIWG remembrance is injustice resistance.

Understanding why this happened requires asking difficult questions. The people I interviewed for the documentary Moon Water answer the questions asked in this article. I spent seven years documenting the crisis so I could present a thorough exposé of the true situation.

• What is systemic injustice?
• Why are the MMIWG considered a human rights issue?
• Why were so many (MMIWG) cases ignored?
• Why does remembering these women and girls matter?
• What are some Key Reasons Why Remembering Acts as Resistance?

In this article, I explore how remembrance itself becomes a form of resistance. Many of the people I interviewed for the Moon Water documentary were happy exposing systemic inequality and demanding accountability, all of which ultimately is challenging historical erasure.

While I designed this post primarily for educators, it is valuable for anyone seeking to better understand the MMIWG crisis and its place in history.

What Does MMIWG Mean?

MMIWG stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, referring to the disproportionate number of Indigenous women and girls who have disappeared or been murdered across Canada and North America. When I talk with my friends from South America, it is a serious problem on their continent as well.

When I was writing chapter 4 for Mary and her Metis Grandma, I opened with this quote. ¹ “A nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Then it is done, no matter how brave it’s warriors nor how strong their weapons.” (Cheyenne Proverb).

What is systemic Injustice and resistance?

Systemic injustice occurs when institutions create and maintain policies that unfairly disadvantage certain groups of people. 

How do Institutions Reinforce Inequality?

Moreover, governments, schools, and legal systems have historically reinforce(d) inequality through biased practices and beliefs such as racism and sexism. Historically and even today, decision makers feel they are “better than” the groups they oppress.

There is racism–even in hospitals, and I know this because when attendants discovered I lived on a reserve, their attitudes changed and not for the better.

This picture is from the documentary Moon Water. When I edited this video i timed the headlights to turn off with the word passing.

Did you know that women, regardless of skin colour, were not allowed to vote in Canadian government elections? When I watch Murdoch Mysteries, Dr. Julia Ogden (the lead female character) fights for women’s right to vote. Brave women were protesting this discrimination for decades. But it wasn’t until May 24, 1918, that we got the right to vote in federal elections.

When it came to First Nations Peoples securing their rights, they had a much harder go of it. 

A Historical Example: The Indian Act and Legal Barriers

For example, in 1927, the federal government introduced Section 141 into the Indian Act. 2 https://theconversation.com/how-the-indian-acts-blackout-period-denied-indigenous-peoples-their-legal-rights-191040 Thus making it illegal for Indigenous people to hire lawyers to pursue land claims without government permission. More specifically, permission from the Department of Indian Affairs. 3 https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/aboriginal-affairs-and-northern-development-canada.

This legal restriction lasted until 1951 (contact 1492) when Canada revised sections of the Act after committing to international human rights standards. These revisions then made it possible for Indigenous people to hire lawyers. ^{4 _{https://raventrust.com/articles/access-to-justice-was-outlawed-with-the-indian-act/#:~:text=}} 

This type of systemic racism extends to today regarding the MMIWG. It is not that they are unable to hire lawyers today, but the police force as a whole does not seem to take the murders of Indigenous Peoples seriously. Additionally, because most Indigenous people live in the lower economic strata of our society, most cannot hire experienced lawyers.

While at a February 14th Women’s Memorial March, I couldn’t resist recording Kelly White, who was wearing a very explicit t-shirt. It is called Prisoners of Democracy; on the back of her t-shirt, it gives the date of contact. It also positions the colonization as an ongoing Holocaust.

What are Human Rights?

I interviewed Angela Marie MacDougal at a safe house operated by BWSS. She talks about how women were classified as property.

According to the United Nations, human rights include:

• The right to life and liberty
• Freedom from violence and discrimination
• Freedom of expression
• The right to education and work
• Equal protection under the law

Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.” ^{5  _{https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/human-rights#:~:text=}} Now in 2026, human rights include systemic discrimination, violence against marginalized groups, and the protection of civil liberties in the digital age.

Why is MMIWG a Human Rights Crisis as it relates to Indigenous Femicide?

The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is considered a human rights issue because many governments and institutions have failed to adequately protect Indigenous women and girls from violence by not investigating or punishing the perpetrators. MMIWG remembrance is injustice resistance. It represents a deliberate, widespread, and systemic pattern of race and gender-based violence.

Inequality Before the Law for MMIWG

When some citizens receive less protection or justice than others, their fundamental human rights are violated. 

Angela MacDougal, Director of Battered Women Support Services (BWSS), told me about how law enforcement infighting was detrimental to addressing the murders of MMIWG. “In the mid-90s, we had several serial killers in Vancouver operating, at least three, who were responsible for the murders of many women. And law enforcement simply was not investigating.” ^{6  _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGpEkmTEG9M}}

She also talked about the “…infighting between the police, the jurisdictional issues between Vancouver Police Department and RCMP, the racism and the sexism that was inherent in their practices, and the fact that they had the suspect in custody, with compelling evidence, compelling evidence, and they let him go, which contributed to the murders of 14 more women.”

What do community members think about the MMIWG inquiries?

Outside the doors of where the inquiry results were presented, I recorded community members stating that a National Inquiry is necessary. Chief Stewart Phillip discusses the imbalance in representation between government and advocacy groups. His opinion was that this was “…the grossest violation of the human rights of women…” ^{7 _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGKkRejjcaw.}}

Brother of Mona Wilson, who was one of the murdered women, talks about how the inquiry has done nothing to protect the MMIWG, and he added, “…children.” Georgina Papin’s sisters discuss why they were skeptical of the report. Bridget Perrier talks about the situation as an “…epic fail.” ^{8  _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWSiG81JPg4}}

Is Police Misconduct Against Indigenous Women Still Occurring?

Now, years later, after the serial killer’s trial and the inquiry, police misconduct is still occurring in Vancouver. Police were found guilty of misconduct in the case of Tatyanna Harrison. “More than a decade after the Oppal Inquiry, it is shameful that the most basic recommendations have not been effectively implemented. If the Vancouver police cannot muster the political will to implement fundamental case management and investigation standards, I find it hard to believe that they are paying anything more than lip service to the much harder work of addressing deeply rooted systemic discrimination that contributes to an ongoing epidemic of violence against Indigenous girls and women. ^{9 _{https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/vancouver-police-committed-misconduct-in-handling-case-of-tatyanna-harrison-report/}}

Why Were So Many MMIWG Cases Ignored?

Understanding systemic injustice helps explain why so many cases remained unresolved. To answer this question, remember what systemic injustice is. To help answer this question, remember or go back to “Law Enforcement Failures.”

Institutional Bias

Racism, sexism, and colonial attitudes contributed to the perception that these victims were less important. Colonial attitudes continue to influence the perpetuation of racism and sexism. These beliefs are based on the opinions that they and their families are superior to Indigenous people.

Systemic Neglect in MMIWG Investigations

Families and advocates have long argued that many cases were:

• dismissed too quickly
• poorly investigated
• treated with less urgency than similar cases involving non-Indigenous victims

I remember standing outside for hours in December at the MMIWG inquiry, video-recording the speakers. We all stood shivering in the damp cold. Marlene George spoke about how there was very little attention or financial resources allocated to the MMIWG. At the same time, Bridget Perrier and Angel Wolfe talk about systemic racism, classism and that it’s a patriarchal thing. ^{10 _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkBSg-kF8Wg}} The cold weather did not deter our efforts at the vigil.

What Questions do Advocates Continue to Ask?

Many families, friends and community members still ask: How could these crimes continue for so long without meaningful action? Kelly White asks, “What does the law have to hide that they let the murders go on for so long?” ^{11 _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJQM6vday8o}}

Why is Remembrance Important?

Remembering victims is more than an act of mourning. Acts of memory keep their stories alive. It is also a form of resistance. When stories are remembered and shared, they prevent injustice from being erased and force society to confront uncomfortable truths. MMIWG remembrance is injustice resistance.

Remembering is a powerful way to resist injustice. First, it fights against erasing history.  By remembering people and events, we are the witnesses to justice or unfairness. It also keeps the truth alive so others cannot forget what happened. Once truths are in the light, we can turn survivors’ pain into lessons that demand accountability.

As I edited Ernie Crey’s speech about his sister and the women’s lives on the Downtown East Side, I was in awe. I marvelled at how the street light shone through Dawn’s poster as though she were an angel spreading hope for Vancouver’s downtown east side.

What are some key Reasons Why Remembering Is an Act of Resistance?

1. It Fights Historical Erasure

Remembering challenges attempts to silence or ignore marginalized histories. Remembering becomes a fight against forgetting. Old Hands talks about how “We are not going to forget. ^{12 _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiXteU6eOdQ}}

2. It Holds Institutions and People Accountable

Documenting injustice ensures that governments and institutions cannot avoid responsibility. By recalling past injustices, we prevent wrongdoers from escaping responsibility. MMIWG remembrance is injustice resistance.

3. It Challenges Power and Colonial Narratives

Remembering exposes the power structures that allowe(d) violence to continue. It directly opposes systems of violence and colonial control that depend on keeping people unaware and others in the cycle of poverty. 

What are the results of Fabricating Jails of Poverty?

Kelly talks about how the Pig Farmer, Picton, selected his victims; ¹³ they were often drug-dependent people. Ernie Crey talks about how colonial and today’s government or social service practices make Indigenous people dependent on the system. Put PICTURE of Ernie from blog media library & Kelly (fr computer)  ^{14  _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJQM6vday8o}} 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. ^{15 _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilPCnRE_NRU}}

Eagle places a rose on Mona’s picture at a memorial spot in a community garden.

Law Enforcement Failures regarding MMIWG

Investigations were often delayed, under-resourced, or poorly coordinated between agencies.
Marlene George talks about how little was spent on the MMIWG when they were alive, compared to how much was spent on the inquiry. A brother holds up a placard with Mona Wilson’s photo and a caption that says she was homeless when murdered. Bridgette Perier and Angel Wolf talk about “…Epic fail”.  ^{16 _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkBSg-kF8Wg}}

4. It Reveals Hidden or Misrepresented Histories

I’ve walked past the Gassy Jack Statue for years, not knowing the dark history behind his activities. Some historical figures celebrated in public memory are tied to exploitation or violence against Indigenous women. One such figure was Gassy Jack. The statue’s story represented him as an adventurous entrepreneur. In fact, that is a misrepresentation and avoidance of the dark, often unacknowledged truth of the Western European colonizers’ exploitation and abuse of Indigenous women and girls.

This colonial attitude towards the feminine was in complete contrast of the Indigenous perspective. ^{17  _{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN55VPjyi64}} Systemic violence and history erasure are still happening today. As an act of resistance, Indigenous women pulled down the statue. There are now raised planters where this insensitive (to say the least), outdated statue used to live.

5. It Preserves Identity and Truth for Indigenous and non-Indigenous

Remembering protects stories, experiences, and cultural identities for future generations. MMIWG remembrance is injustice resistance.

6. It Inspires Education and Action

Preserving and sharing knowledge of the past gives people the courage and motivation to challenge injustice today.

Pocahontas and the History of “Stolen Sisters”

In the appendices is an excerpt from Mary and her Metis Grandma — Chapter 05 called  “Halloween and Pocahontas — an Indian Princess?” When I started writing this chapter, I wanted it to be a fun story, but I realized this was an opportunity to write an engaging story about the sad outcome of Pocahontas.

Before I knew the true story, I remember thinking that Princess sounded nice. In the novel, boy oh boy does Grandma set Mary straight, but in a respectful way. The true story of Pocahontas reveals how Indigenous women have often been romanticized or misrepresented in popular culture. It is a denigrating stereotype that masquerades as a compliment.

Labelling Indigenous women as “Indian princesses” may appear as flattery, but it often erases the difficult realities of colonial violence and survival. The women epitimizes stregnth and resilience.

Understanding these narratives helps expose the deeper historical roots of violence against Indigenous women and girls. When you download the PDF Appendices, you can read a snippet of the novel (Mary and her Metis Grandma).

How can educators Use This Article?

This resource can support learning in:
History, Social Studies, English Language Arts, Civics, Indigenous Studies, Law, and Social Justice courses.

Additional materials—besides documentary links and transcripts, there are excerpts from Mary and Her Métis Grandma; these are included in the content, footnotes and/or appendices.

Note: All video content will require adult supervision for younger viewers.

Remembrance turns the past into a living, active force rather than a forgotten memory. We can learn from it. If you wish to view all Moon Water episodes in sequential order, please click this link now or come back to it later. _{^{https://ritajasperart.com/2024/11/17/moon-water-table-of-content-missing-murdered-indigenous-women/}}

Remembering is a Call to Action

Whether through storytelling, archiving, education, art, or ceremony, remembrance keeps history alive.
Some Indigenous wisdom will help you and others heal. This loving post is called “Let the Water and Ceremonies Wash Away Our Pain” and here is the link: _{^{https://ritajasperart.com/2026/03/02/let-the-water-wash-away-our-pain/}}

Remembrance ensures that the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are not forgotten—and that the fight for justice continues.

Remembering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is not only an act of mourning—it is a form of resistance. By keeping their stories alive, we challenge systemic injustice, demand accountability, and ensure that the MMIWG crisis is never ignored again. MMIWG remembrance is injustice resistance.

#RitaJasperArt #MoonWaterMMIWG #TeachTheTruth #SocialJusticeEducation #NeverForgotten #RemembranceIsResistance #ResilienceAndResistance #JusticeForIndigenousWomen #HumanRights

1. Mary and her Métis Grandma. (Chapter 4 – Activists, Street Life for Women on the Downtown East Side) Author Rita Jasper (n.d.). https://atbaypress.com/books/detail/mary-and-her-metis-grandma ↩︎
2. Swiffen, A. (2022b). How the Indian Act’s ‘blackout period’ denied Indigenous peoples their legal rights. The Conversation. Retrieved Mar 9, 2026 https://theconversation.com/how-the-indian-acts-blackout-period-denied-indigenous-peoples-their-legal-rights-191040 ↩︎
3. Article: Federal Departments of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. (n.d.). The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved Mar 9, 2026 https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/aboriginal-affairs-and-northern-development-canada ↩︎
4. Raven. (2020, June 24). Access to Justice was Outlawed with the Indian Act. Raven Trust. Retrieved Mar 9, 2026 https://raventrust.com/articles/access-to-justice-was-outlawed-with-the-indian-act/#:~:text=  ↩︎
5. United Nations. (n.d.). Human Rights | United Nations. Retrieved Mar 9, 2026 https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/human-rights#:~:text=Human rights include these rights, without discrimination. ↩︎
6. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita]. (2024b, July 15). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 3 Chapter 1 Law Enforcement Infighting [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved Mar 11, 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGpEkmTEG9M
   Open PDF to read APPENDIX 1 for video transcript ↩︎
7. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita]. (2024g, July 17). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 3 Chapter 8 Human rights violations [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGKkRejjcaw 
   Open PDF to read APPENDIX 2 for video transcript ↩︎
8. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita]. (2024f, July 15). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 3 Chapter 7 Children & Epic Fail [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWSiG81JPg4 
   Open PDF to read APPENDIX 3 for video transcript ↩︎
9. Aboriginal Peoples Television News [APTN], & House, T. (2026, February 24). Vancouver police committed ‘misconduct’ in handling case of Tatyanna Harrison: report. APTN News. https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/vancouver-police-committed-misconduct-in-handling-case-of-tatyanna-harrison-report/ ↩︎
10. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita] . (2024g, November 8). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 1 Chapter 5 National Shame, Money & Patriarchy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkBSg-kF8Wg 
    Open PDF to read APPENDIX 4 for transcripts  ↩︎
11. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita]. (n.d.). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 3 Chapter 2 Denial and Accountability [Video]. @Jasperrita. Retrieved Mar 9, 2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJQM6vday8o.
    Open PDF to read APPENDIX 5 for transcript ↩︎
12. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita]. (2024a, May 29). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 1 Chapter 3 Family and Friends share stories about Georgina Papin. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiXteU6eOdQ 
    Open PDF to read APPENDIX 6 for video transcript  ↩︎
13. I apologize for having to state the serial killer’s name. We say his name as seldom as possible because we do not want to give his legacy energy, which is power. ↩︎
14. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita].. (2024c, July 15). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 3 Chapter 2 Denial and Accountability [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJQM6vday8o
    Open PDF to go to APPENDIX 7 for video transcript  ↩︎
15. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita].. (2024b, June 17). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 2 Open Open PDF for transcripts Chapter 5 Eagle Claw talks about Mona’s lifestyle [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilPCnRE_NRU
    Open PDF to go to APPENDIX 8 for transcripts & open PDF ↩︎
16. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita]. (2024f, November 8). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 1 Chapter 5 National Shame, Money & Patriarchy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkBSg-kF8Wg  ↩︎
17. Rita Jasper & Ritajasperart [@jasperrita].. (2024g, July 15). MMIWG Moon Water Episode 3 Chapter 9 Matriarchy vs Colonialism [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN55VPjyi64      22 seconds in
    Go to APPENDIX 9 for transcripts & open PDF ↩︎

Rita Jasper

I am Indigenous Cree/Metis.  Main accomplishments:

1) Mary and her Metis Grandma: a coming-of-age story. Based on true stories, this is a gripping work of auto-fiction / biography and memoir that results in historical accountability.

Filled with wisdom, grit and honesty, this is the journey of a Métis teenager overcoming personal grief, family traumas, witnessing the pain of others, and experiencing the healing power of a Grandma’s love.

Instead of succumbing to self-pity, Mary rises above her presumed narrative with courage and love as her Grandma takes Mary under her wing to guide her into the mature woman she will become.

and

2) Moon Water: a documentary about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Moon Water was distributed primarily to educational institutions throughout N. America.

My childhood was spent in Jasper, Alberta, surrounded by nature. My amazing mother encouraged me to write stories and paint or draw pictures for her; she was my first teacher.

https://ritajasperart.com/

Bluesky   @ritajasper.bsky.social

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www.ritajasperart.com