Ep 3. Canada: The Missing First Nations

Canada: The Missing First Nations is the third episode of the first season of the riveting TV show, Woman. This episode delves into the deep-rooted and complex issues facing the First Nations people in Canada. The episode introduces us to a powerful and resilient group of Indigenous women who have dedicated their lives to finding and restoring justice for thousands of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered in Canada.

The episode is anchored by the remarkable life story of Carol Martin, who lost her own daughter, Tanya, to the cruel fate of becoming one of the thousands of Indigenous women who went missing in Canada over the last several decades. Martin's story is deeply moving, and her courage in the face of tragedy is nothing short of inspiring. Her determination to find her daughter and bring attention to the plight of the missing and murdered Indigenous women of Canada has earned her the respect and admiration of people across the country.

The episode also features the work of other leading Indigenous activists and scholars who have dedicated their lives to addressing the root causes of Indigenous peoples' marginalization and violence in Canada. These speakers tell us about the history of colonialism, the residential school system, and forced assimilation policies that have systematically pushed First Nations people to the margins of Canadian society. They also describe the harsh reality of the hundreds of thousands of Indigenous children who were taken away from their families and communities and put into Residential Schools, where they were subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The effects of these policies are still being felt today, and Canada is still grappling with the legacy of these injustices.

The episode also shows us that Indigenous women and girls in Canada are disproportionately likely to go missing or be murdered. The speakers tell us about how the systemic marginalization of Indigenous peoples, combined with a lack of respect for Indigenous women's rights, has put them at a higher risk of violence. This has prompted Indigenous women and their allies to launch a major inquiry into the issue, which has culminated in a final report and more than 200 recommendations for addressing the crisis.

The episode ends on a hopeful note, however, with the speakers describing the ways in which Indigenous communities are moving forward and building a brighter future for their people. We see the inspiring work of Indigenous leaders who are seeking to restore traditional knowledge and practices, such as healing circles, to help Indigenous communities reclaim their power and resilience. In addition, we are introduced to women who have taken up leadership positions within their communities and are working to bring about change from within. They are using their voices, skills and knowledge to uplift their people, promote healing and transform the very fabric of Canadian society.

Overall, Canada: The Missing First Nations is a deeply moving and thought-provoking episode that highlights some of the heartbreaking and urgent issues facing Indigenous peoples in Canada. The episode takes us on a journey through the history, the pain, and the hope of the Indigenous women in Canada who have been fighting to restore justice and build a brighter future for their families and communities. This episode implores us to take a hard look at ourselves, our communities, and the institutions we support, and to make a commitment to stand in solidarity with Indigenous women in their struggle for a better future.