May 5, 2024

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – May 5, 2024) The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) honours and stands in solidarity with victims, survivors and families of the Missing and Murdered crisis, marking the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People with calls to action for governments and police.

“While disproportionate rates of violence continue to affect Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ people with no signs of slowing, families, loved ones, First Nations and advocates remain steadfast in their efforts to end the crisis,” stated Melissa Moses, UBCIC Women’s Representative. “Nowhere are these actions more apparent than in advocacy to search the landfills, in calls to abolish forced assimilation of Indigenous women and their descendants through Canada’s policies of legislated extinction under the Indian Act, or in the exposure of gender-based violence against land defenders, and bringing awareness to rampant sexual assault, exploitation and sex trafficking against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit+ in proximity to industrial and resource extraction labour camps. Families whose loved ones have been murdered or disappeared are consistently filling gaps in the justice system and are at the heart of organizing community actions and searches for their relatives, as well as publicizing violence and negligence at the hands of police and the RCMP. The perspectives, voices, and depth of lived experience of family members and survivors are owed every effort and ultimate respect and must guide this work.”

“By Resolution UBCIC 2024-14, UBCIC calls on the provincial and federal governments to uphold the rights of families and survivors, to take a trauma-informed and culturally-safe approach with them, and to ensure that families are consulted and fully involved at decision-making tables pertaining to gender-based violence prevention and the MMIWG2S+ crisis. It is time for governments, police and the RCMP to listen deeply and take the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice seriously. We urge collaboration across ministries, and the provision of sustainable resourcing, capacity supports, and healing services to those most impacted by the unrelenting violence and loss who we hold in our hearts today,” concluded Katisha Paul, UBCIC Youth Representative.

If you fear for your safety, or are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you are not in immediate danger, please refer to the following supports and resources:

May 5th National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+ events are taking place throughout BC:

Victoria – BC Legislature

Sechelt – Cowrie St. & Ocean Ave

Courtney – Simms-Millennium Park

Pitt Meadows – Spirit Square

Prince George – House of the Ancestors

Vanderhoof – RCMP Station

Kamloops – Moccasin Square Gardens

Prince George – Monument

Tears to Hope Relay & Virtual Run – Prince George to Terrace

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Media inquiries:

Melissa Moses, Women’s Representative: 778 866 0548

Katisha Paul, Youth Representative: 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