Iskweu Project: Providing a lifeline and delivering hope

The Iskweu Project, pronounced "is-kway," which is Cree for "woman," was created by Na'kuset, the Executive Director of the Native Women's Shelter of Montreal. It provides support and ensures an adequate response from institutions when Indigenous women, girls, Two-spirit, and gender-diverse people are missing or murdered.

Sadly, such initiatives exist for a reason. Between 2009 and 2021, homicide rates for First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and girls were 6 times higher than their non-Indigenous counterparts.

"There are so many things we need to do," says Na'kuset. "I'm very motivated. Every time I see an issue, I create a project." Iskweu is a lifeline for families and loved ones who need immediate assistance when someone goes missing. In times of crisis, they can provide resources like hotels, travel expenses or the support of psychologists or Elders.

One of many challenges is addressing past harms and acknowledging the long, sometimes difficult history that the police have with Indigenous communities in Canada. Na'kuset notes that this has generated "this long-existing tension with police."

The Iskweu Project is a go-between. Those in need of help can rely on a coordinator to approach police departments on their behalf and to hold them accountable in their efforts to find a missing person and bring justice to the ones lost to violence.

"Sometimes we have to create our own services and remind the services that they should be doing it," says Na'kuset. "You have to make it better for that next generation, and it can't wait."

They don't judge. They understand.

Also at the heart of the Iskweu Project is prevention, helping those trying to escape violence find safe places to go and linking them to resources.

"Many women we work with use substances because of the trauma they have faced and a lack of support to heal," project coordinator Laura Aguiar explains. "Colonial and patriarchal attitudes towards Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people strip Indigenous women of their power and sacred place within society. This has normalized violence against Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people."

"We are constantly moved by the bravery of the survivors we work with. Each time a survivor tells us how she is staying safe, that feels like we are making a difference. When families tell us they feel heard or like they have some sense of closure or justice, that it feels like we've made a difference. We are not alone in addressing the MMIWG2S+ crisis and are very honoured to be part of a broader movement spanning many areas of the country in making a difference."

Yes, the work can be difficult, but it's not all dark.

"We always find ways to have little moments of joy to ease some of the heaviness or to find a brief sanctuary from the violence," she adds. "We laugh probably as much, if not more than we cry and yell."