Indigenous women, once held in high esteem as the pillars of their communities, were displaced from their leadership positions due to colonization. This shift in power dynamics forced them into subservience to men, a lingering effect of colonial influence. This has resulted in a pervasive fear among Indigenous women, a fear for their own safety and that of their loved ones. The fear is heightened for those with darker skin, as they are more susceptible to violence and injustice.

The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, in brief MMIWG, was overlooked for a long time. However, the relentless efforts of Indigenous families and advocates, who tirelessly marched and voiced their concerns, eventually brought the issue to light. The tragic death of a 15-year-old girl, Tina Fontaine, served as a catalyst, drawing attention to this crisis. The revelation of nearly 1200 missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls cases through a report was a shocking revelation for many Canadians.

The media has also played a role in this issue. Those in control often deemed stories about MMIWG as unworthy of coverage and prohibited the use of terms like "survivor." However, Indigenous reporters have gradually managed to change the narrative. The National Inquiry and several major newspaper projects have helped keep the MMIWG issue in the spotlight. Despite these efforts, there are still issues with how the media handles stories about Indigenous people.

As a journalist, there is a sense of duty to thoroughly investigate MMIWG cases and to narrate these stories with respect. By intertwining personal experiences of vulnerability with those of MMIWG, the goal is to humanize the crisis and help others understand the cycles of violence that stem from colonization. While this is just one story among many, it's important to highlight the resilience of families who are fighting to prevent the loss of more women and girls. To truly comprehend this issue, it's crucial to remember a time when Indigenous women were the pillars of their communities.