Indigenous groups in B.C. renew calls for justice for MMIWG on annual Red Dress Day
Global News
Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ peoples are six times more likely to be murdered than their non-Indigenous counterparts, the First Nations Leadership Council said.
Indigenous groups, leaders and nations are gathering Sunday across the province demanding for justice and accountability on annual Red Dress Day.
The Union of BC Indian Chiefs and the First Nations Leadership Council both said Sunday marks a day of solidarity with victims, survivors and families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and members of the LGBTQ community.
Indigenous women account for 16 percent of all femicide victims and 11 percent of all missing women in Canada.
Indigenous women, girls and LGBTQ peoples are also six times more likely to be murdered than their non-Indigenous counterparts, the First Nations Leadership Council said.
“It is shameful that the violence and fatalities of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples continue unabated in Canada and represent a tragic ongoing crisis that highlights the systemic injustices and vulnerabilities of First Nations communities,” said BC Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Terry Teegee said.
“Canada must address the related issues and establish a clear timeline for implementing the 231 Calls for Justice. In addition, the Indigenous and Human Rights oversight body is necessary in response to this emergency. We look forward to contributing to the next steps for putting the Indigenous Rights Ombudspersons into place.”
Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jamie Black’s installation project, which had red dresses hung in public spaces throughout Canada and the United States as visual reminders of the number of Indigenous women who have been killed or are missing.
There are several events and walks around the province, including one in Pitt Meadows and Penticton.