May 5th is widely recognised as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) in both Canada and the US. Yet in Australia, despite the Prime Minister declaring violence against women a “national crisis”, calls for similar recognition have gone unanswered.

In the recent webinar titled ‘Amplifying Unheard Voices: Commemorating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women,’ three distinguished Indigenous women—Gwen Packard, an Ihanktonwan Dakota woman from North America representing the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Centre, USA; Professor Kyllie Cripps, a Palawa woman from Tasmania and CEVAW Chief Investigator; and Associate Professor Marlene Longbottom, a Yuin woman from New South Wales and CEVAW Associate Investigator—shared their insights and experiences as leading experts in their respective fields and as First Nations women.

Kyllie opened the session with an original poem entitled “We Rise.” Her words, written to honour ancestors, celebrated the strength and resilience of our people. She reminds us that although violence against our people has persisted for over 200 years, so too has the unwavering fight for justice. Her declaration, “We are more than what was done to us”, is a powerful message of resistance. Gwen spoke about the MMIW movement, which started in North America. She described how the intersection of race and gender discrimination intensifies the harm caused to Indigenous women. This often leaves Indigenous women unprotected and underserved by law enforcement and the justice system. Gwen’s message was clear: everything is political, and everyone has a responsibility in responding to violence.

Kyllie and Marlene reflected on the many parallels between North America and Australia. Indigenous women in both regions face disproportionately high rates of violence, which is compounded by systemic racism and a lack of reporting in the media. Marlene pointed out the stark contrast in how violence against white women often dominates headlines and drives policy change in Australia, while Indigenous families are left to advocate for justice with limited visibility and institutional support.

Thinking back to the 2024 Senate Inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children, the stories of Indigenous women were momentarily brought to light only to be silenced again by the lack of meaningful recommendations and media attention throughout the inquiry. Gwen also noted similar challenges in Canada and the US, where funding and support for Indigenous communities remains inadequate.

The ongoing neglect from these government bodies is not just a failure of policy; it is a continuation of historical violence that amounts to genocide, as recently highlighted by the Yoorrook Justice Commission. Recognising this truth is essential for healing and justice.

‘Our peoples will no longer have to carry the pain of these stories alone—this history and these truths become everyone’s history and truths. With this understanding, real change is urgent and inevitable. The burden is lessened, and the healing can begin.’

Tyerri Yoo-rrok “Seed of Truth” Report, 2021

The MMIW movement in North America has demonstrated the power of community organising, political advocacy, and public recognition. From the Red Dress Campaign to the National Day of Awareness, these efforts have created visibility and continue to drive change. Australia can and must learn from these efforts and adapt them to our own context.

Kyllie emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum following the most recent federal election in May (2025). The issue of MMIW must be front of mind in all responses to violence against women, it cannot be an afterthought. Gwen also offered some valuable advice, emphasising the importance of engaging with the business sector. With greater flexibility and resources, businesses can support grassroots initiatives through financial contributions, such as direct donations to grassroots organisations or sponsorship of events, campaigns, and initiatives, thereby providing valuable resources and visibility. Additionally, businesses can help amplify Indigenous voices by supporting public campaigns and applying pressure to political leaders to advocate for legislation that supports victim survivors and strengthens prevention efforts.
This webinar was a powerful reminder that the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women is not just a set of statistics, it is a horrifying reality for families and communities. It reflects the ongoing impacts of colonisation and systemic racism in Australia. We must honour the voices of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and their families by demanding justice and continuing the fight for meaningful change.

As Kyllie explains the mission of the Future Lives and Violence Against Women Workstream.

“We are privileged to work with families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and children. Our team builds pathways for national recognition, stronger support, and community-led advocacy.”