[4] In October 2004, Amnesty International released "Stolen Sisters: A Human Rights Response to Discrimination and Violence Against Indigenous Women in Canada," a report created in partnership with NWAC.
[7] In March 2004, the NWAC launched a one-year “Sisters in Spirit” campaign to not only draw more public attention to the issue of violence toward Indigenous women, but secure government funding for a multi-year project to study the problem.
[4] In 2005, the Canadian federal government announced it would provide funding for the research initiative, with five million dollars to be allocated from Status of Women Canada over five years.
[12] The report included policy recommendations to implement culturally appropriate services for Indigenous female police officers, enhanced protection for the rights of sex trade workers, and education programs on the history and impact of colonialism and marginalization.
"[15] In February 2011, the federal government reached a new funding agreement with the NWAC, providing just under two million dollars over three years for a new project called "Evidence to Action."
[16] Despite the federal defunding of its research, the Sisters in Spirit project inspired numerous community-based events and offshoot groups that continue to champion its causes and support the families of victims.
[17] In addition to the annual events and vigils, the original purpose of the Sisters in Spirit research initiative has lived on by continuing to generate discussions and spur action on Indigenous issues.
[18] This has been greatly due to the partnership with the NWAC, through which resources have been established to promote education and awareness of Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women.
NWAC was surprised and encouraged when eleven Canadian communities embraced the concept and hosted simultaneous vigils, attracting hundreds of participants, on the same date: October 4, 2006.
[28] Part of the group's "Days of Awareness," the event serves as an opportunity for poets to artistically express their thoughts and emotions about their fallen sisters.