The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls highlighted the underlying systemic causes of ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The COVID-19 pandemic also created unprecedented challenges for victims seeking help and the frontline organizations that support them.
Today, the Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, announced up to $2.76 million to eight organizations in British Columbia. This funding will increase the capacity of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations to provide prevention services and supports to address the disproportionate rates of gender-based violence (GBV) in these communities.
The eight organizations receiving funding include:
- Pacific Association of First Nations Women
- 2 Spirits in Motion Society
- Kermode Friendship Society
- North Island Metis Association
- Transforming Embers 2Spirit Wellness Society
- Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society
- Indigenous Women's Sharing Society
- Victoria Native Friendship Centre
This announcement builds on the endorsement of the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence by the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women in early November. The National Action Plan includes five pillars: Support for victims, survivors and their families; Prevention; Responsive justice system; Implementing Indigenous-led approaches; and Social infrastructure and enabling environment.
Today also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, an opportunity to recommit to calling out and speaking up against acts of gender-based violence, in Canada and around the world.
