VICTORIA, BC: The National Action Plan (NAP), a path towards ending violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples in response to the National Inquiry’s Calls for Justice has been released.

The release of the report falls on the second anniversary of the final report from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The NAP includes highlights of the key priorities and progress related to ending this violence in Canada. British Columbia is also posting its own response, A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C.

“The National Action Plan is an important milestone that will inform our work here in British Columbia,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We greatly respect the perspectives, wisdom and experience of survivors, family members, Indigenous partners and community members and are committed to ongoing collaboration as we build and implement the path forward together.”

British Columbia has made significant commitments to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, including the introduction of the Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act to align laws with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Province committed to the development of a Path Forward to end violence and supported Indigenous-led community dialogue sessions in 2019 and 2021 to inform this work. B.C.’s Path Forward reflects community-based priorities and sets a solid foundation with early strategies for a path forward to ending violence. The Province is making an initial investment of up to $5.5 million in 2021-22, with additional investments under consideration. 

With these resources, B.C. will invest directly in a community fund – accessible to First Nations communities, urban/off reserve communities, Métis citizens and 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities – to support capacity to develop safety plans. Other areas to be prioritized for additional funding include the development of 2SLGBTQQIA+ training and education resources for the public service and for commemoration and honouring of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples who have gone missing or been murdered, and their family members.

Addressing violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples is complex work that requires a holistic approach to addressing the intergenerational trauma and inequity faced by Indigenous communities since colonization. The Path Forward recognizes that addressing this trauma and its systemic causes will require transformative change through intentional collaboration, not only with Indigenous communities but with all British Columbians.

Written and released by BC Government