News Release
March 8, 2024
Indigenous Women and Girls Lead Anti-Violence Leadership on International Women’s Day
(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – March 8, 2024) On International Women’s Day, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) stands with Indigenous women and girls in Canada and around the globe who demonstrate wisdom, leadership, and action on the frontlines in the fight for justice and an end to gender-based violence including through days of action.
“There is no doubt that women are, and always have been, at the forefront of our shared work to create equitable change,” stated Chief Marilyn Slett, UBCIC Secretary Treasurer. “UBCIC raises up women around the world fighting for their human rights, Indigenous women’s inherent right to their territories, and those who are overcoming oppression and gender-based violence. We celebrate the tremendous achievements and strength of women everywhere and call on governments, justice authorities, entire communities and our male relatives around the world to dismantle the colonial oppression, misogyny and patriarchy which continue to disproportionately target women and girls. Our collective vision for safety, health and dignity is the shared responsibility of us all”.
“Today also marks a National Day of Action to Search the Landfills, a painful reminder that Indigenous women continue to be dehumanized, devalued, and discarded,” stated Melissa Moses, UBCIC Women’s Representative. “While today’s International Women’s Day is deserving of celebration, it also demands action. UBCIC urges Premier Wab Kinew and all levels of government to collaborate and make good on commitments to search the landfills where Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe and Linda Mary Beardy have been found, or are believed to be. We stand with families, survivors, First Nations and advocates on this day of action in calling for federal legal protections for Indigenous women and end to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ people.”
“At the heart of conflicts around the globe for rights and equity, I see a common thread of Indigenous youth and girls acting tirelessly as a wellspring for hope and change,” stated UBCIC Youth Representative Katisha Paul. “It is painful that our young people bear the brunt of the bickering of adults and actions of selfish leaders. We are knowledge holders, changemakers, and ancestors in the making; we take on a responsibility to clean up messes that are not ours for our shared health and well-being for generations to come. I raise my hands to the young women and girls demonstrating unwavering dedication, and call in those in power to help us create a just, equitable, and healthy planet for our descendants yet unborn.”
International Women’s Day and National Day of Action to Search the Landfill Events are taking Place March 8 in Winnipeg, Duncan, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, and Ottawa.
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Media inquiries:
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721
Melissa Moses, Women’s Representative [email protected]
Katisha Paul, Youth Representative [email protected]
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