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Keetsahnak / Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters
In Keetsahnak, the tension between personal, political, and public action is brought home starkly as the contributors look at the roots of violence, and how it diminishes life for all. Together, they create a model for anti-violence work from an Indigenous perspective. They acknowledge the destruction wrought by colonial violence, and also look at controversial topics such as lateral violence, challenges in working with 'tradition', and problematic notions involved in 'helping'. Through stories of resilience, resistance, and activism, the editors give voice to powerful personal testimony, and allow for the creation of knowledge.
"It's in all of our best interests to take on gender violence as a core resurgence project, a core decolonization project, a core of Indigenous nation building, and as the backbone of any Indigenous mobilization." ~~ Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Contributors: Kim Anderson, Stella August, Tracy Bear, Christi Belcourt, Robyn Bourgeois, Rita Bouvier, Maria Campbell, Maya Ode'amik Chacaby, Downtown Eastside Power of Women Group, Susan Gingell, Michelle Good, Laura Harjo, Sarah Hunt, Robert Alexander Innes, Beverly Jacobs, Tanya Kappo, Tara Kappo, Lyla Kinoshameg, Helen Knott, Sandra Lamouche, Jo-Anne Lawless, Debra Leo, Kelsey T. Leonard, Ann-Marie Livingston, Brenda Macdougall, Sylvia Maracle, Jenell Navarro, Darlene R. Okemaysim-Sicotte, Pahan Pte San Win, Ramona Reece, Kimberly Robertson, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Beatrice Starr, Madeleine Kétéskwew Dion Stout, Waaseyaa'sin Christine Sy, Alex Wilson
"It's in all of our best interests to take on gender violence as a core resurgence project, a core decolonization project, a core of Indigenous nation building, and as the backbone of any Indigenous mobilization." ~~ Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Contributors: Kim Anderson, Stella August, Tracy Bear, Christi Belcourt, Robyn Bourgeois, Rita Bouvier, Maria Campbell, Maya Ode'amik Chacaby, Downtown Eastside Power of Women Group, Susan Gingell, Michelle Good, Laura Harjo, Sarah Hunt, Robert Alexander Innes, Beverly Jacobs, Tanya Kappo, Tara Kappo, Lyla Kinoshameg, Helen Knott, Sandra Lamouche, Jo-Anne Lawless, Debra Leo, Kelsey T. Leonard, Ann-Marie Livingston, Brenda Macdougall, Sylvia Maracle, Jenell Navarro, Darlene R. Okemaysim-Sicotte, Pahan Pte San Win, Ramona Reece, Kimberly Robertson, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Beatrice Starr, Madeleine Kétéskwew Dion Stout, Waaseyaa'sin Christine Sy, Alex Wilson
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2018
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1373 people want to read
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November 17, 2018This is a sobering read and I'm not even sure if I should rate it.
Many of the articles are written by First Nations people from an academic perspective but also peppered with personal accounts. Frankly, the life stories are brutal and heart-breaking. The systemic violence and oppression of First Nations women is astounding for how under-reported it is. As a Canadian, I am ashamed of how scant my knowledge is and wondering how my apathy and my countryman's apathy towards the First Nations people and their plight has contributed to their misery. For example, while we generally know about residential schools, I did not know the nuns physically abused the kids who had already been separated forcefully from their parents. Residential schools, violated land treaties, systemic oppression, racism, sexual violence, police indifference to reported cases of missing women ... the list just goes on and on. As a whole, this body of work makes me understand the antipathy and hostility that First Nations have towards what they call the Canadian state.
Many of the articles are written by First Nations people from an academic perspective but also peppered with personal accounts. Frankly, the life stories are brutal and heart-breaking. The systemic violence and oppression of First Nations women is astounding for how under-reported it is. As a Canadian, I am ashamed of how scant my knowledge is and wondering how my apathy and my countryman's apathy towards the First Nations people and their plight has contributed to their misery. For example, while we generally know about residential schools, I did not know the nuns physically abused the kids who had already been separated forcefully from their parents. Residential schools, violated land treaties, systemic oppression, racism, sexual violence, police indifference to reported cases of missing women ... the list just goes on and on. As a whole, this body of work makes me understand the antipathy and hostility that First Nations have towards what they call the Canadian state.
December 18, 2019
“How might the healing needed in our communities take place differently if men stopped talking about ‘protecting our women’ but rather about ‘reforming our brothers’ and ‘honouring our sisters, mothers, daughters’?”
November 20, 2018
Very interesting read. I learned a lot about parts of my country's history that had been buried. Some stories/parts/essays were eye-opening, some inspiring, some parts hard to read but all were educational and well worth reading. It has left me with lots to think about, including how I can help move the story forward in a positive way. What reconciliation can look like. Inspiring.
April 2, 2019
Real Canadian history that should be required reading.
December 19, 2019
Reviewed on prairiefire.ca Review by E.D. Woodford
Keetsahnak is an anthology of the truth about missing and murdered indigenous women. Through stories of resilience, pain, heart ache, readers will learn the history and initiatives that have come to light as Canada’s silent genocide of indigenous women. Every politician, diplomat, academic, women’s activist and humanitarian needs to read Keetsahnak to fully understand the effects of colonialism and to understand the real violence and destruction connected to missing and murdered Indigenous sisters.
The book is divided into four sections. Each section brings together the truth and testimony from over thirty contributing authors. “All our relations,” illustrates the beginning of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit peoples (MMIWG2S). Starting with stories of women from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Power of Women Group, a neighbourhood that is known for being one of the poorest in Canada. With a large rate of homelessness, the area also consists of challenges in mental and physical health, substance use, among other issues. The stories reflect this reality.
Beverley Jacobs writes about honouring women, “to honour the lives of the women who are missing, and to honour the lives of women who have been senselessly murdered” (15). Jacobs words display thankfulness for lessons taught by the spirits of the women and her writing ends with her own story of violence and trauma; having a family member go missing and being found murdered. Post-traumatic stress caused Jacobs to leave her family and community, however, after a time of healing she was able to return home and is now able to use her experience in teaching and advocating.
“The Violence of History,” introduces with historical and sociological context. The numbers described are shocking. The plight to get political support was lengthy. Robyn Bourgeois illuminates the lobbying for change along with the negative response of the Harper government throughout his leadership. Bourgeois highlights that—while it might not be a priority on the political radar—missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, is “settler colonial genocide” and “is the direct product of dominant social systems of oppression, such as colonialism, racism, and patriarchy, that hierarchically order the social world and ensure the distribution of privilege and the fruits of citizenship accordingly” (66).
Lateral violence is a theme of “Challenges” depicted by sexual violence and silencing. Alex Wilson writes about the lateral violence that trans and two-spirit-identified people face. Wilson sheds light on the history of sexuality regulated through governmental and church policy and is illustrated by experience. Without a doubt, for anyone who does not understand the challenges of trans and two-spirited people, Wilson will open your eyes to the risks of gender identity.
It’s important to note the contributors of Keetsahnak and the courage they have to share their stories: Kim Anderson, Stella August, Tracy Bear, Christi Belcourt, Robyn Bourgeois, Rita Bouvier, Maria Campbell, Maya Ode’amik Chacaby, Downtown Eastside Power of Women Group, Susan Gingell, Michelle Good, Laura Harjo, Sarah Hunt, Robert Alexander Innes, Beverly Jacobs, Tanya Kappo, Tara Kappo, Lyla Kinoshameg, Helen Knott, Sandra Lamouche, Jo-Anne Lawless, Debra Leo, Kelsey T. Leonard, Ann-Marie Livingston, Brenda Macdougall, Sylvia Maracle, Jenell Navarro, Darlene R. Okemaysim-Sicotte, Pahan Pte San Win, Ramona Reece, Kimberly Robertson, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Beatrice Starr, Madeleine Kétéskwew Dion Stout, Waaseyaa’sin Christine Sy & Alex Wilson.
Emerging from the windy path and blockades of politics, Keetsahnak is worth reading to learn about the model of anti-violence that the authors create. A model of anti-violence is presented coming from an Indigenous perspective; this is not like any traditional settler created model and Keetsahnak’s model for anti-violence can benefit an entire country, not just Indigenous women. It’s through the lens and voices of these women who have experienced life in Canada that many readers would never fathom that allows for readers to truly see not only that there is a problem in Canada of missing and murdered indigenous women, but that there is a way forward.
Keetsahnak is an anthology of the truth about missing and murdered indigenous women. Through stories of resilience, pain, heart ache, readers will learn the history and initiatives that have come to light as Canada’s silent genocide of indigenous women. Every politician, diplomat, academic, women’s activist and humanitarian needs to read Keetsahnak to fully understand the effects of colonialism and to understand the real violence and destruction connected to missing and murdered Indigenous sisters.
The book is divided into four sections. Each section brings together the truth and testimony from over thirty contributing authors. “All our relations,” illustrates the beginning of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit peoples (MMIWG2S). Starting with stories of women from Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside Power of Women Group, a neighbourhood that is known for being one of the poorest in Canada. With a large rate of homelessness, the area also consists of challenges in mental and physical health, substance use, among other issues. The stories reflect this reality.
Beverley Jacobs writes about honouring women, “to honour the lives of the women who are missing, and to honour the lives of women who have been senselessly murdered” (15). Jacobs words display thankfulness for lessons taught by the spirits of the women and her writing ends with her own story of violence and trauma; having a family member go missing and being found murdered. Post-traumatic stress caused Jacobs to leave her family and community, however, after a time of healing she was able to return home and is now able to use her experience in teaching and advocating.
“The Violence of History,” introduces with historical and sociological context. The numbers described are shocking. The plight to get political support was lengthy. Robyn Bourgeois illuminates the lobbying for change along with the negative response of the Harper government throughout his leadership. Bourgeois highlights that—while it might not be a priority on the political radar—missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, is “settler colonial genocide” and “is the direct product of dominant social systems of oppression, such as colonialism, racism, and patriarchy, that hierarchically order the social world and ensure the distribution of privilege and the fruits of citizenship accordingly” (66).
Lateral violence is a theme of “Challenges” depicted by sexual violence and silencing. Alex Wilson writes about the lateral violence that trans and two-spirit-identified people face. Wilson sheds light on the history of sexuality regulated through governmental and church policy and is illustrated by experience. Without a doubt, for anyone who does not understand the challenges of trans and two-spirited people, Wilson will open your eyes to the risks of gender identity.
It’s important to note the contributors of Keetsahnak and the courage they have to share their stories: Kim Anderson, Stella August, Tracy Bear, Christi Belcourt, Robyn Bourgeois, Rita Bouvier, Maria Campbell, Maya Ode’amik Chacaby, Downtown Eastside Power of Women Group, Susan Gingell, Michelle Good, Laura Harjo, Sarah Hunt, Robert Alexander Innes, Beverly Jacobs, Tanya Kappo, Tara Kappo, Lyla Kinoshameg, Helen Knott, Sandra Lamouche, Jo-Anne Lawless, Debra Leo, Kelsey T. Leonard, Ann-Marie Livingston, Brenda Macdougall, Sylvia Maracle, Jenell Navarro, Darlene R. Okemaysim-Sicotte, Pahan Pte San Win, Ramona Reece, Kimberly Robertson, Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, Beatrice Starr, Madeleine Kétéskwew Dion Stout, Waaseyaa’sin Christine Sy & Alex Wilson.
Emerging from the windy path and blockades of politics, Keetsahnak is worth reading to learn about the model of anti-violence that the authors create. A model of anti-violence is presented coming from an Indigenous perspective; this is not like any traditional settler created model and Keetsahnak’s model for anti-violence can benefit an entire country, not just Indigenous women. It’s through the lens and voices of these women who have experienced life in Canada that many readers would never fathom that allows for readers to truly see not only that there is a problem in Canada of missing and murdered indigenous women, but that there is a way forward.
December 27, 2020
A very important read.
July 21, 2025
A very important account on how we can protect ourselves from violence and to understand the roots of it. A difficult read for sure, but I’m very glad I read it.
May 6, 2023
Como persona no nacida en Canadá, la información que poseo sobre la situación de las mujeres indígenas en dicho país, se encuentra limitada, por lo que esta lectura fue sorprendentemente desgarradora.
Las historias descritas hacen que te vuelvas parte de la familia de la mujer o niña que sufrió violencia, fue desaparecida o asesina, a manos de la comunidad, policía, gobierno.
Realmente te hace cuestionar si existe un parámetro de color, si poseer ciertas facciones te vuelven vulnerable, incluyendo que con el hecho de nacer mujer ya vas dos pasos detrás.
No solo es una batalla constante en contra de las condiciones infrahumanas en las que crecen muchas personas indígenas, como la falta de agua potable en un país que a nivel mundial es catalogado de primer mundo, también es una lucha por sobrevivir a las secuelas que el gobierno en momentos pasados y actuales, han impregnado hasta los huesos a los indígenas. Se volvió un chip en muchos ciudadanos la creencia de que a los nativos hay que “ayudarlos” a incorporarse a una sociedad blanca donde no son bien recibidos sino cumplen con los requisitos no escritos, donde las mujeres indígenas son vistas como una moneda de intercambio y tienen cero valor física y moralmente.
Hay momentos de la lectura donde puedes sentir como tu estómago se revuelve por lo que tus ojos están captando, donde la injusticia impartida por la misma justicia, parece una cruel burla y donde han pasado décadas y muchas familia siguen sin saber el paradero de sus madres, hijas, abuelas, primas, hermanas, sobrinas, amigas.
¿Por qué sucede esto? Porque son mujeres y son indígenas.
Este libro cuenta con un peso gigante si estás interesado en saber un poco más sobre que es lo que realmente sucede y no solo poseer la percepción que los medios y gobiernos divulgan.
¿Una palabra para describir el libro? Desgarrador.
Las historias descritas hacen que te vuelvas parte de la familia de la mujer o niña que sufrió violencia, fue desaparecida o asesina, a manos de la comunidad, policía, gobierno.
Realmente te hace cuestionar si existe un parámetro de color, si poseer ciertas facciones te vuelven vulnerable, incluyendo que con el hecho de nacer mujer ya vas dos pasos detrás.
No solo es una batalla constante en contra de las condiciones infrahumanas en las que crecen muchas personas indígenas, como la falta de agua potable en un país que a nivel mundial es catalogado de primer mundo, también es una lucha por sobrevivir a las secuelas que el gobierno en momentos pasados y actuales, han impregnado hasta los huesos a los indígenas. Se volvió un chip en muchos ciudadanos la creencia de que a los nativos hay que “ayudarlos” a incorporarse a una sociedad blanca donde no son bien recibidos sino cumplen con los requisitos no escritos, donde las mujeres indígenas son vistas como una moneda de intercambio y tienen cero valor física y moralmente.
Hay momentos de la lectura donde puedes sentir como tu estómago se revuelve por lo que tus ojos están captando, donde la injusticia impartida por la misma justicia, parece una cruel burla y donde han pasado décadas y muchas familia siguen sin saber el paradero de sus madres, hijas, abuelas, primas, hermanas, sobrinas, amigas.
¿Por qué sucede esto? Porque son mujeres y son indígenas.
Este libro cuenta con un peso gigante si estás interesado en saber un poco más sobre que es lo que realmente sucede y no solo poseer la percepción que los medios y gobiernos divulgan.
¿Una palabra para describir el libro? Desgarrador.
July 22, 2024
I feel some guilt with how long it took me to read this anthology but I truly wanted each piece to resonate inside of me where it would cling to the walls of my very soul.
The pain and suffering, the celebrations, the love and joy, the loss and wandering spirits. All of it.
The history of women as a whole is pain, misery, and a sort of primal perseverance—add in the indigenous peoples (lgbtqa+ / cis) and it feels as though the scale of balance is thrown against the wall and shattering into a million pieces.
The tribes are doing so much to grasp their roots and mend the soil to strengthen their communities but it will take the collaboration of everyone to restructure colonialism (and evangelism) in society. It’s an oil spill rendering the roots to rot and decay…
Stand strong, continue dancing and keep the fire burning. Women (and two-spirit) are sacred no matter what anyone tells you.
The pain and suffering, the celebrations, the love and joy, the loss and wandering spirits. All of it.
The history of women as a whole is pain, misery, and a sort of primal perseverance—add in the indigenous peoples (lgbtqa+ / cis) and it feels as though the scale of balance is thrown against the wall and shattering into a million pieces.
The tribes are doing so much to grasp their roots and mend the soil to strengthen their communities but it will take the collaboration of everyone to restructure colonialism (and evangelism) in society. It’s an oil spill rendering the roots to rot and decay…
Stand strong, continue dancing and keep the fire burning. Women (and two-spirit) are sacred no matter what anyone tells you.
April 17, 2021
This is an excellent collection of voices, experiences, and thoughts, and it was put together as a companion text to the Walking With Our Sisters (WWOS) commemorative art installation of 1725 moccasin vamps. Much like how the vamps are unfinished parts of a moccasin, they represent the thousands of unfinished lives of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
As a member of the white settler community, I acknowledge my identity, my status, my privileges as a white woman. I am a researcher and have been working with a professor for the last 2.5 years on a database that has compiled many grassroots initiatives for MMIWG, including artwork, searches, vigils, memorials, dances, ceremonies, and awareness projects. I have been amazed at the work that so many people have done. To say that I admire them is a true understatement.
If you have no knowledge, some knowledge, or much knowledge on MMIWG, you will benefit from reading this book. Whether you read it cover to cover, read some parts and leave others, or skip around to read different chapters, this is a tremendous book that will make you realize that no matter how much you think you know - you don't know nearly as much as you thought you did. Everyone can learn from this book.
As a member of the white settler community, I acknowledge my identity, my status, my privileges as a white woman. I am a researcher and have been working with a professor for the last 2.5 years on a database that has compiled many grassroots initiatives for MMIWG, including artwork, searches, vigils, memorials, dances, ceremonies, and awareness projects. I have been amazed at the work that so many people have done. To say that I admire them is a true understatement.
If you have no knowledge, some knowledge, or much knowledge on MMIWG, you will benefit from reading this book. Whether you read it cover to cover, read some parts and leave others, or skip around to read different chapters, this is a tremendous book that will make you realize that no matter how much you think you know - you don't know nearly as much as you thought you did. Everyone can learn from this book.
February 21, 2022
This is a difficult read and I had to skim a lot of sections but I found the chapters by Helen Knot and Alex Wilson interesting as they dealt with the Challenges of Indigenous people within their own communities. Misogyny, yet at the same time, women compared with Mother Earth as the strength of the family. What is repeated is not necessarily always believed. Several authors tackled the claim that many missing and murdered women are victims of Indigenous men. This book should be part of the curriculum in a number of University and High Schools.
May 19, 2025
Sobering, grounded, and well researched, this book is one of the best I have read up on this issue. The book not only explains how colonialism and racism from the past affects Indigenous women today, but also explores internal issues and the need for communities to come together and act.
The statistics in the book are ridiculous. It is shameful to read how 4% of Canada's population make up for 16% of violence in the entire country.
Sadly, as of the mid 2020s, there seems to be no change in violence against women and girls in Indigenous communities according to Stats Can. I pray for a brighter future for women and girls and hope to support in any way possible.
The statistics in the book are ridiculous. It is shameful to read how 4% of Canada's population make up for 16% of violence in the entire country.
Sadly, as of the mid 2020s, there seems to be no change in violence against women and girls in Indigenous communities according to Stats Can. I pray for a brighter future for women and girls and hope to support in any way possible.
January 1, 2021
This collection of essays was powerful, and also extremely informative. For anyone needing a better understanding of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women situation in Canada this is a must read. Whilst I did find it hard to take in all at once, and think it would be better read in parts (as it was likely intended given the structure), I am still so grateful to have read it, and to know that all the contributors are out there working so hard, to bring light to this absolutely devastating situation happening across the country.
July 1, 2021
I found this book extremely informative. The contributors do an excellent job if balancing facts, statistics and personal accounts to outline the truth of MMIWG. It provides clear ideas and intentions
for how to move forward with hope and resilience.
I hope more people read this companion piece and can help with battling this ongoing issue.
for how to move forward with hope and resilience.
I hope more people read this companion piece and can help with battling this ongoing issue.
October 19, 2020
Since August, I have been working on this collection of critical essays on colonial and gendered violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. I recommend to all those looking for academic Indigenous perspectives on the MMIWG2S crisis. I finished it recently and I keep thinking back to certain essays and their impactful words.
This is a book I read a chapter or two a week and finished it over a couple months. It's full of important voices that need to be heard but not rushed. This way, I could absorb each essay and spend time thinking on the message of it. Different experiences of racism, misogyny, and genocide in Canada. Different strategies to combat the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. I will keep my eyes open for a personal copy as this was a library book. It's a good one to have to reference back to.
This is a book I read a chapter or two a week and finished it over a couple months. It's full of important voices that need to be heard but not rushed. This way, I could absorb each essay and spend time thinking on the message of it. Different experiences of racism, misogyny, and genocide in Canada. Different strategies to combat the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. I will keep my eyes open for a personal copy as this was a library book. It's a good one to have to reference back to.
October 12, 2025
This is not a book I would usually read but I am very glad I did. My heart aches for all the MMIWG and the absolute neglect authorities have for Indigenous peoples. I will reread this as there is so much information but this should be a course in all Canadian and American schools.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews