2026–2031 Pathways to Safety strategy: Ontario’s response to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Learn about our government-wide plan to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Overview
In 2021, we launched the Pathways to Safety strategy in response to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We developed this government-wide strategy in close partnership with Indigenous communities, partners and the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council.
2026–2031 Pathways to Safety strategy
We are working with the Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council and other Indigenous partners to build on the previous strategy and identify areas for enhancement.
The renewed Pathways to Safety strategy will:
- build on our previous work and accelerate progress
- focus on key priorities identified by Indigenous communities
- improve the use of data and support evidence‑based decisions
- strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners and create space for reflection and shared leadership
- increase transparency so progress is clear, measurable and meaningful to Indigenous people
Working with Indigenous partners
The Indigenous Women’s Advisory Council will continue to advise on priorities and areas for action under the Pathways to Safety strategy. Council members include violence-prevention experts representing First Nation, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous communities.
We continue to work closely with Indigenous partners, guided by the leadership of Indigenous women and strong community engagement.
Ontario’s six pathways to safety
The Pathways to Safety strategy focuses on six key areas of action:
Image of a flower where each petal represents a different pathway to safety for Indigenous women, children, 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, survivors and families:
- Pathway to safety
- Pathway to justice
- Pathway to health
- Pathway to culture
- Pathway to responsibility and accountability
- Pathway to identifying and addressing anti-Indigenous racism and Indigenous gender-based analysis
Our vision is an Ontario where everyone can live in safety and security, free from violence and exploitation.