VICTORIA – Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, have released the following statements in honour of Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ People:

Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said:

“On Red Dress Day, we honour the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people — and recommit to the urgent work of justice and prevention.

“The red dress, inspired by Jaime Black, Métis artist, is a powerful symbol of how many Indigenous people have been murdered or remain missing. We add our voice to those calling for justice and we back those words with action.

“We have heard clearly from Indigenous communities: They must lead this work. That is why our government released A Path Forward and established the Path Forward Community Fund. Through that fund, more than 100 community-based anti-violence projects have received nearly $21 million in combined provincial and federal support. This June, we will release our annual progress update, tracking government's response to the National Inquiry's final report.

“We are investing in safer travel in remote regions of B.C. Along Highway 16, the Highway of Tears, we have supported a Rogers Communications project delivering more than 250 kilometres of continuous cellular coverage between Prince Rupert and Smithers, connecting people to emergency services. BC Bus North is providing safe, affordable transportation between northern communities. Last year, BC Bus North served nearly 16,000 passengers.

“We are also working with First Nations to develop new safety-officer models that work alongside police and social service providers to fill critical gaps in community safety.

“We know there is more work to do and we’ll continue striving toward our shared vision. I express my deep condolences to those who have experienced loss and harms, and recognize the strength of survivors, family members, friends and advocates as we work together to address this national crisis.”

Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

“Through Safe and Supported: B.C.’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan, our government is advancing Indigenous-led, culturally grounded responses to gender-based violence that centre Indigenous knowledge, justice systems and healing. Since launching the plan, we have provided more than half of the funding through the Canada-B.C. National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence to Indigenous-led initiatives. Examples include:

• invested in the Path Forward Community Fund to support Indigenous-led safety planning and culturally safe community responses to gender-based violence
• supported BC First Nations Justice Council’s work to advance the Indigenous Women’s Justice Plan
• funded the First Peoples Cultural Council to strengthen cultural practices as a preventative approach
• provided funding for grants through the Giving Voice Project, a program overseen by the Minister’s Advisory Council on Indigenous Women to support community-led projects that provide opportunities for healing
• expanded counselling and community-healing initiatives for Métis women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people, and much, much more

“Let us continue to take action to create a world where all Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people can live free from fear and harm.”

Learn More:

Find resources and support for those concerned about violence or self-harm here:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/ResourcesandSupport.pdf

Read A Path Forward: Priorities and Early Strategies for B.C. June 2025 Status Update here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/about-bc-justice-system/inquiries/mmiw/mmiwg-status-update-2025.pdf

Learn more about Safe and Supported, B.C.’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/services-policies-for-government/gender-equity/safe-and-supported-gender-based-violence-action-plan-december-2023.pdf