Regional Engagement on the Development of the MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ National Action Plan
In May and June 2021, the BCAFN and the AFN Women’s Council co-hosted a series of virtual engagement sessions on the development of the National Action Plan on MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+. A “What We Heard” report based on these sessions and the written, audio, and video submissions that were received, has been prepared. This report will be integrated into the AFN Women’s Council’s contribution to the National Action Plan, “Breathing Life into the Calls for Justice”. It will also serve as a foundation for BCAFN’s advocacy at the provincial and federal levels.
The “What We Heard” report highlights five priority areas for action that received the most input and will inform the BCAFN’s advocacy: Human and Indigenous Rights and Governmental Obligations; Culture; Health and Wellness; Health and Wellness Service Providers; and Police Services.
The BC Assembly of First Nations would like to express our gratitude to all the MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ family members and survivors who participated. This process captured your voices, knowledge, wisdom, and lived experiences. Your experience, voice, and perspective are so important as all governments, sectors of society, and indeed all people in Canada must work to implement “Reclaiming Power & Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls to Justice” in partnership with Indigenous people, and with the leadership of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, family members, and survivors. We raise our hands to each and every one of you for your courage, vulnerability, and faith in being a part of this process. We recognize the deeply personal nature of this crisis, and the decades of advocacy by so many.
At the same time, we acknowledge that this process was not perfect, and will work on ensuring that the BCAFN’s advocacy can be more representative and inclusive. We also acknowledge and respect those who chose not to participate in this process.
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