By Rosalind Russell – Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes has brought the disappearance of a Manitoulin woman to national attention.
In response to the disappearance of Juanita Migwans, also known as Winnie, a 30-year-old woman from M’Chigeeng First Nation, Hughes, addressed the House of Commons about the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
She says Juanita has been missing since October 2nd stressing the Manitoulin Anishnaabe Police are doing all they can to find her, but they need dedicated crime units to deal with increased human and drug trafficking.
She adds today is National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, so Hughes is calling for immediate action on the Calls for Justice including addressing Indigenous policing and self-determination and ensuring First Nation police receive funding that is equitable to non-Indigenous police services.
She also addressed the need to create and support the development of a national database for missing Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people.
Photo provided