Report details crisis of missing and stolen Indigenous people in Canada

A Thomson Reuters Foundation report finds that Indigenous people in Canada face disproportionate rates of violence, trafficking and disappearance, fueled by systemic racism and gaps in services. Women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people are particularly targeted, with many cases linked to human trafficking, resource extraction projects and urban migration.

The report notes that the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people is deeply rooted not only in rural and remote communities but also in urban centers across the country. It cites a lack of consistent data collection, underreporting due to mistrust of authorities and insufficient culturally appropriate support for survivors.

Recommendations include improving national data systems, expanding Indigenous-led prevention and victim services and addressing root causes, such as poverty and housing insecurity.