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| Union of BC Indian Chiefs Applauds UN Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women |
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December 14, 2011
(Coast Salish Territory/Vancouver BC, December 14, 2011) An inquiry into the missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada is being launched by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
“The Union of BC Indian Chiefs welcomes the inquiry undertaken by the CEDAW into the murders and disappearances of Indigenous women and girls and believes it will finally hold the Canadian government to account on the international stage,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. “To truly address and eliminate the tragic and devastating issues of violence against Indigenous women and girls, the Harper Government must be compelled and forced to examine the intersecting and deeply-rooted factors of poverty, colonialism, and systemic racism. We hope that the Harper Government will not try to block the inquiry as we believe an open and inclusive inquiry can be helpful in addressing this national tragedy.”
“The Union of BC Indian Chiefs supports the efforts of Native Women’s Association of Canada, the Canadian Feminist Alliance for International Action, Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre and February 14th Women’s Memorial March Committee and we will fully cooperate with the CEDAW inquiry,” said Grand Chief Phillip. “This is not only a ‘women’s issue’, this is a fundamental and universal human rights issue.”
In conclusion, Grand Chief Phillip stated “Our hearts and prayers forever go out to the families who lost their loved ones and to their many friends who continue their commitment to ensure justice will be served. The UBCIC joins them and will never abandon the families who have lost a daughter, a sister, a mother, an aunt and a grandmother.”
Media inquires:
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs
Phone: (604) 684-0231
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