Unearthing Justices: Mapping 500+ Indigenous Grassroots Initiatives for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit+

Abstract

In the face of an ongoing colonial violence across the land now known as Canada, Indigenous families and communities of the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) continue to navigate and mobilize in response to a criminal justice system that has long ignored and neglected the murders and disappearances. The Unearthing Justices Resource Collection is an unfinished collection of more than 500 documentation of these grassroots initiatives. The powerful and transformative community care initiatives, as documented in the 500+ grassroots initiatives demonstrate the resource, skill and strength that already exists in Indigenous communities. It also highlights the many facets of what justice is and needs, beyond what a criminal justice system can provide. Using a justice mapping approach, this article traces the varied approaches to justice in the absence of criminal justice support.