UBCIC Calls for MMIWG2S+ Education and Violence Prevention on National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+
October 4, 2024
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – October 4, 2024) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) calls on the provincial government and education authorities to meaningfully address the root of systemic gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people[1]. Today is an important reminder for political candidates and leaders vying to represent British Columbians that solidarity and allyship on anti-violence work and Indigenous rights requires action; performative gestures will not be enough to garner political support or stop women girls and two-spirit+ people from being targets of violence.
Last week, the UBCIC Chiefs-in-Assembly unanimously passed Resolution 2024-57 calling on the provincial government to work with First Nations, First Nations organizations, School District 58 and survivors and families of MMIWG2S+[2] co-develop province-wide anti-violence curriculum that specifically addresses and prevents the MMIWG2S+ crisis, and directing education authorities to administer MMIWG2S+ curriculum within all levels of education institutions.
UBCIC stands in solidarity with families, communities, and advocates across the country to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and individuals and demands action.
Currently, Indigenous women and girls are six times more likely to be murdered or go missing than their non-Indigenous peers and represent up to seven percent of femicide victims in Canada, despite only making up two percent of the Canadian population.[3] We know that a prevailing culture of misogyny, patriarchy, colonialism and violence are at the root of gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ people. While some of these beliefs and attitudes are being stoked in the wake of a rise of racism and social conservatism, we remain hopeful due to the efforts of survivors, loved ones, advocates and trust in the power of education to create change for future generations.
UBCIC urges collaboration and leadership from government and educators to promote awareness within schools and the public, share the findings of the National Inquiry investigation and empower learners through education and action in order to transform the stark realities of gender-based violence which continue to plague our cherished relatives.
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Media inquiries:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Don Tom, Vice-President, 604-290-6083
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721
Melissa Moses, Women’s Representative, c/o (778) 866-0548
UBCIC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
For more information, please visit www.ubcic.bc.ca
[1] Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, and more.
[2] Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+
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