(Ottawa, Unceded Anishinaabe Algonquin Territory, Ontario) – Today, the BCAFN took part in a moment of silence at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly to remember all women and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have experienced violence. This unfortunate day marks 34 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal, which led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Gendered-based violence is prevalent in our society and was heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, First Nations women and gender-diverse people experience unique and disproportionate forms of violence, which contributed to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Survivors and family members also face numerous barriers to seeking justice, accountability, and healing.
At the BCAFN, we continue to support action regarding preventative measures and mechanisms for accountability, including addressing delays and inaction by the federal and provincial governments to implement the MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice. The BCAFN is also working alongside like-minded organizations to advocate for federal MMIWG2S+ legislation to support accountability, coordination and standards among jurisdictions when it comes to missing Indigenous persons.
“I urge the federal and provincial governments to make meaningful progress on implementing the Calls for Justice and to partner with First Nations people so that positive change is felt on the ground,” said BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee. “We must uplift the voices of First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in our efforts to address gender-based violence. Likewise, all governments must ensure that diverse voices are included in each and every law, policy, strategic plan, or program.”
The BCAFN Women Representative, Louisa Housty-Jones, stated, “Communities have so many innovative and successful initiatives, but face barriers to ensuring sustainability. Service providers need multi-year, adequate, and flexible funding that flows directly to them. As well, real progress must be made on advancing fiscal relationships between First Nations and the Crown that reflect First Nations jurisdiction.”
Orene Askew, the BCAFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Representative shared, “First Nation 2SLGBTQQIA+ people have been left out of the conversation for years and this needs to change. Our experiences are valid and we are active in communities across our territories. I encourage everyone to raise their voice in this fight for equity and justice, and to do the work to raise your own awareness of the diverse ways that gender-based violence impacts our communities.”
Press Release PDF