“We saw the huge need to support families that are impacted by the missing and murdered, whether it’s our girls, two spirit or men or boys,” said Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson.
“There is going to be a lot of great work in this office, but I know it’s going to be some very difficult work as well. This unit is going to be out in the community on the front lines, but also sitting at these these tables with our leadership to ensure that the proper supports are in place for families,” said Wilson.
Wilson made the announcement on the 16th floor of 275 Portage Avenue, to bring awareness to the Missing and Murdered First Nations Peoples Unit (FNMMP) that hopes to assist families and individuals experiencing violence, searching for missing family members or facing the loss of a loved one.
The centre will be directed by Melissa Robinson who as a founder of Morgan’s Warriors worked to advocate for the search the landfill campaign, along with former AMC Grand Chief Kathey Merrick, and will work with First Nations family advocate office and other organizations, including the Winnipeg Police, to provide comprehensive services.
“There are easily 100 women we’re assisting with housing, access to legal services, navigating the system out there, with connections to community resources and supports, every month and our focus is on reducing barriers and ensuring women have access to the health that they need,” said Robinson.
Robinson said there are a high number of men who experience violence and who have gone missing as well. “Our women and girls are are more spoken about, and we want to bring light to the men and boys as well. We know that the families, because a lot of them are out there, are just navigating systems on their own. When you’re walking with that grief and dealing with that grief, it’s already a lot just doing that. So, you know, to have to attend the police station or law courts or any of that, we want be able to to be there to support them.”
The Unit will offer other services to men and women, including access to additions treament in a partnership with Destiny Recovery and Wellness Centre.
The centre saw the need to start a clothing depot when a woman came in to access a free cellphone for Indigenous women at risk (offered by Telus Mobility) arrived at their office without shoes, said Wilson.

The Unit’s work is guided by the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S and the Truth and Reconcilliation Commissions Calls to Action.
The Unit started its work in April, and Robinson said having so many services offered in one place has allowed support staff to assist with navigating the legal system, going to apply for a lawyer through legal aid, and IDs.
“When they see, oh, well, there’s other things that they offer, you know, women that are needing help with applying for protection orders from their exes, we’ve supported them with that.”
Artist Jamie Black created bodice sculptures out of red willow, a plant that is a symbol of “resilient flexibility and strength,” with a basket of ribbons. “If you guys have been impacted in any way by MMFNP, please take a moment to sign the name on your ribbon and and tie it to the small sculpture at the front,” she said.
Sonia Dowan, from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, placed a ribbon with her friend Millie Flett’s name on it and offered a prayer for Flett and “all my other sisters and brothers trying to find a way home.”

Top photo: Grandfather Stone drummers, from Ebb and Flow First Nation played honour songs to commemorate the opening of the Missing and Murdered First Nations Peoples Unit. Photo Terese Taylor