Honouring Lives and Advocating Change: BC Assembly of First Nations Joins Annual Women’s Memorial March for MMIWG2S+

February 14, 2025

(xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) unceded territory, Vancouver, BC) – Today, the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) will join family members and survivors of MMIWG2S+ at the Annual February 14th Women’s Memorial March. Each year, the Women’s Memorial March takes place in various communities throughout BC and across Canada to honour and raise awareness of the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+).

Regional Chief Terry Teegee remarked, “This annual event is a powerful act of remembrance and advocacy that resonates across communities in BC and Canada. As we gather today, we stand united in our commitment to the safety and dignity of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. We continue to call for government agencies to coordinate actions, report progress and maintain transparency, and build and sustain genuine partnership in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”

The BCAFN Women’s Representative Cheryl Rule expressed, “The issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) resonates deeply with me and my community. The loss of our mothers, sisters, daughters, and relatives who have been taken too soon is a crisis deeply rooted in a history of violence and systemic injustices. We must advocate tirelessly for justice, healing, and safety for our women, girls, and Two Spirit+ individuals. Our voices must be amplified, and we must work together to reclaim our power and protect future generations. We are constantly reminded of the urgent need for change, and we stand united in remembrance and as champions for dignity and respect for all Indigenous lives.”

Orene Askew, known as DJ O Show and the BCAFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Representative, emphasized, “With the significant change to the political and social environment in the United States we are currently witnessing, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are facing increasing discrimination, violence, and marginalization based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Despite past progress in legal rights and recognition, challenges such as uneven access to healthcare, social services, and safety continue to remain prevalent. Inclusive policies and robust support systems are critical to ensure that all 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals can live freely without fear of prejudice or harm. It is urgent that Canadians work collectively toward fostering a culture of acceptance, understanding, and equality, ensuring that the rights and dignity of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are upheld and celebrated across the nation.”

Let us continue to support each other, uplift our voices, and seek meaningful change as we march, not just for those we have lost but for a future where all Indigenous lives are valued and protected.

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For further information, contact:

Annette Schroeter,
Communications Officer.
Phone: (778) 281-1655.

NT4