News Release
September 18, 2023
UBCIC Urges Government and Justice Authorities “Do Not Look Away” on International Day of Action to Search the Landfills
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – September 18, 2023) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs renews calls from a recent statement in support of Manitoba Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) Families and Advocates and for Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson to search the landfills where the remains of at least five First Nations women have been found, or are believed to be. We are dismayed that the grim realities of the MMIWG2S+ crisis have reached such unprecedented heights as to require this International Day of Action to Search the Landfills for the remains of our relatives and loved ones. The dignity of our people is not up for debate and must not be decided based on political will or the bottom line.
The UBCIC raises our hands to the families, survivors, First Nations, community advocates and organizers for taking action and forcing the world not to look away from the deeply systemic gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. We implore the governments and justice authorities to respect today’s actions, to listen, and use your power and resources to put an end to this preventable genocide.
For a list of actions taking place across Canada see here.
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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
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