Advocates Call for Sustained Indigenous Safety Investment
The National Family and Survivors Circle says Budget 2026 falls short of the accountability mechanisms it seeks for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Sex Crimes
The National Family and Survivors Circle called for dedicated, sustained investment in the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people following the release of Budget 2026. The statement was issued from Winnipeg on November 6, 2026.
Why it matters
The organization states that Budget 2026 does not replace the accountability mechanisms called for in Calls for Justice 1.7 and 1.10. Its call for an independent ombudsperson and tribunal reflects ongoing concern about how federal commitments on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are implemented.
Budget 2026 proposes $140 million over four years, starting in 2027-28, for community-led safety initiatives in First Nations and Inuit communities, and $6 million over three years to strengthen the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime. The Red Dress Alert pilot would receive only a portion of the $3.6 million proposed for 2027-28, and the split has not been specified.
The players
National Family and Survivors Circle (NFSC Inc.)
A Winnipeg-based national organization that advocates for families and survivors of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada.
Hilda Anderson-Pyrz
President of NFSC Inc., who leads the organization's advocacy on Indigenous women's and girls' safety.
The details
The National Family and Survivors Circle urged implementation of Calls for Justice 1.7, 1.10, and 13.1 to 13.5, and called for an independent National Indigenous and Human Rights Ombudsperson and Tribunal. It also asked for an independent mechanism to report annually to Parliament on implementation of the Calls for Justice, and for explicit measures to consult Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people on projects affecting their lands.
Timeline
November 6, 2026: The National Family and Survivors Circle issued its statement on Budget 2026.
2027-28: Proposed start of the $140 million community safety funding.
Legal Context
The organization measures Budget 2026 against Calls for Justice 1.7 and 1.10 from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which call for independent accountability mechanisms. It states that the budget's funding does not replace those mechanisms, placing the new spending in the context of an unresolved national inquiry recommendation.
Residents of First Nations and Inuit communities may see community-led safety initiatives funded starting in 2027-28 if the budget passes as proposed. Anyone seeking help can call the national support line at 1-844-413-6649.
The takeaway
Families seeking support for missing or murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people can contact the national support line at 1-844-413-6649. Tracking how the proposed funding is allocated will show whether the government's commitments are being carried out.
Further reading
For related coverage of gender-based violence policy, see the Sex Crimes section.
