Statement
November 25, 2025

UBCIC Calls on B.C. to Take Urgent Action on Gender-Based Violence and Declare Epidemic

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil Waututh)/ Vancouver, B.C. – November 25, 2025) The Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is acknowledging the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Today, we call on the Province to take urgent action to address gender-based violence and to work with survivors and families to implement Dr. Kim Stanton’s Final Report recommendations alongside the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice.

Dr. Stanton’s Report “Independent Systemic Review: The British Columbia Legal System’s Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence” was commissioned by the Province and found overwhelmingly that gender-based violence is normalized and devalued in British Columbia. By Resolution 2025-52, UBCIC uplifts Dr. Stanton’s recommendation for gender-based violence to be declared an epidemic and systemic crisis as a critical framework and authoritative signal to support a cross-ministry and whole-of-government approach to raise public awareness, signal urgency, take action and accountability, and implement meaningful policy and legal recommendations with sufficient resourcing. We are clear that for a formal declaration to be impactful, it must go beyond recognition. Government must work collaboratively to enact decisive action and tangible human rights policy and legislation such as public education, stabilizing frontline supports, establishing an independent gender-based violence lead, and improving risk assessment, intervention and monitoring.  

UBCIC stands with victims and survivors around the world who are targeted by oppression and violence, and we acknowledge the disproportionate rates of gender-based violence towards Indigenous women and girls and 2S+ in Canada. We urge the government of B.C. to act boldly to address the preventable and unacceptable crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit+ People (MMIWG2S+) which is devastating our families and communities.

To learn more about gender-based violence and the MMIWG2S+ crisis see:

• The National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• Stanton’s Independent Systemic Review: The British Columbia Legal System’s Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence and Sexual Violence,
• Red Women Rising: Indigenous Women Survivors in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

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Media inquiries:

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President, 250-490-5314
Chief Marilyn Slett, Secretary-Treasurer, 250-957-7721
Melissa Moses, Women’s 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

Mental and Emotional Support Services

• First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline. If you’re experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, contact the toll-free number at 1-855-242-3310, or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or use the chat box on their website.
• KUU Crisis Line Society is a First Nations and Indigenous specific crisis line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, toll-free from anywhere in British Columbia. KUU-US Crisis Line can be reached toll-free at 1-800-588-8717. Alternatively, individuals can call direct into the Youth Line at 250-723-2040 or the Adult Line at 250-723-4050.
• National 24/7 MMIWG2S+ Support Line 1-844-413-6649 An independent, national, toll-free support call line is available to provide support for anyone who requires assistance. This line is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Battered Women’s Support Services (BC): BWSS offers immediate, short-term help to survivors of violence in intimate relationships, childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. CRISIS LINE 604-687-1867 | Toll Free 1.855.687.1868

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