Content Warning – This News Release contains content related to residential schools, suicide, systemic violence. If you find yourself struggling with the content take care, take time, and return when and if you feel ready.
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) commits to observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign led by the United Nations Secretary-General and United Nations Women. This annual international campaign kicks off on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25th, and runs until Human Rights Day on December 10th. The campaign aims to increase awareness violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, and to facilitate dialogue within our Nation to support building safer communities.
Gender-based violence is often invisible and seldom talked about. Women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are the most targeted populations, and the rippling effects in Indigenous communities, compounded with Residential School and 60s Scoop fallout and other inter-generational traumas, have devasting consequences in Métis families and communities. Recently documented declines in the mental and physical health of Métis youth – especially among women and non-binary populations – also stem from gender-based violence and the accompanying misogyny, racism, transphobia, and colonialism that are prevalent in society.
MNBC is committed to elevating and celebrating Métis women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. We stand in solidarity with our partners, organizations, advocacy groups and federal, provincial, and First Nations governments as we all work together to bring forth meaningful change. We will continue to elevate awareness and conversations while providing access to culturally safe supports, protections, and health services, until everyone in our Nation is not just surviving, but is safe and thriving.
VictimLinkBC Toll-Free Number 1-800-563-0808 (Call or text)
Trans Lifeline Toll-Free Number 1-877-330-6366
Métis Crisis line at 1-833-Metis-BC (1-833-638-4722)
Quotes:
“Today we observe International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. For too long women, girls, and gender-diverse people have experienced violence because of their gender, gender expression, or perceived gender. At MNBC we continue to take action with the purpose of ending gender-based violence so that all of our citizens can feel safe and respected.” – MNBC President and Minister of Justice, Intergovernmental Affairs and Veterans, Lissa Dawn Smith.
“November 25 marks the first of 16 days we raise awareness and call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls. Indigenous women and girls, racialized women, women living in rural and remote communities, people in 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and women with disabilities, are at even greater risk to experience gender-based violence. This is unacceptable, and only together as a whole can we end this troubling reality.” – Métis Women BC Chair and Minister of Mental Health and Harm Reduction, Dr. Kate Elliott.