On Red Dress Day, BCAFN Honours and Remembers: Urging Action to Implement All 231 Calls for Justice

Press Release

(xʷməθkʷəyəm̓ (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesẖ (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh)/Vancouver, B.C.) – Today, the BC Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) and First Nations across the nation gather in solemn remembrance of the lives lost and forever changed by the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). As communities reflect on the deep injustices that continue to impact Indigenous peoples, we renew our urgent call to fully implement the 231 Calls for Justice outlined in the Final Report of the National Inquiry into MMIWG.

BCAFN Women’s Representative Cheryl Rule stated, “The Calls for Justice are not optional recommendations — they are legal imperatives rooted in human rights, dignity, and Indigenous sovereignty. They demand action from governments, institutions, industries, and all Canadians to address systemic violence and bring meaningful change.”

“This is not just about memory — it is about responsibility,” said BCAFN 2SLGBTQQIA+ Representative, Orene Askew. “The stories and truths shared by families and survivors have already illuminated the path forward. What we need now is sustained political will and concrete action.”

Five years after the release of the Final Report, progress remains uneven, and far too many families are still waiting for justice, safety, and accountability. The time for symbolic gestures has passed — we need transformative, community-led action rooted in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and decolonization.

The Regional Chief, Terry Teegee call on all levels of government and institutions to:

• Publicly continue to commit to full implementation of the Calls for Justice;
• Increase funding to sustain community-led safety initiatives and initiatives for families, victims, and survivors;
• Invest in Indigenous housing, education, health, and cultural revitalization;
• Ensure accountability through transparent, annual reporting mechanisms and establish an oversight body for implementing the Calls for Justice.

This day of remembrance is also a call to conscience. Let us honour the lives lost by building a future where First Nation women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people are safe, respected, and free to thrive.

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For further information, contact:

Annette Schroeter, Communications Officer, cell phone (778)281-1655.

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