Grassroots groups revive database to find missing and murdered aboriginal women.

Two grassroots organizations have teamed up to help compile an online database of missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada.

No More Silence and Families of Sisters in Spirit launched this listing in mid-September.

Social justice activist Andrea Smith spoke to aboriginal news source Indian Country Today. 

She argues, the need for the database is two-fold, as there has been little visibility nor interest from the federal government on tackling the issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women.

She also adds that First Nations community members and allies must rely on each other bring change.

Compiling listings of missing aboriginal women have always been a challenge for academics and community organizers.

Families of Sisters in Spirit previously had a database, but it's funding was cut-off by the government in 20-10 and was forced to shut-down operations.

Critics opposing the budget cut say it was meant to silence the Native Women’s Association of Canada.