B.C. Indigenous group pushes for MMIWG2S awareness on Red Dress Day
Posted May 5, 2023 3:33 pm.
As B.C. commemorates Red Dress Day, a Vancouver-based Indigenous organization wants more awareness and attention to the underlying issues of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit Individuals (MMIWG2S).
Sherri-Beth Rosette, the executive director for the Pacific Association of First Nations Women, wants to see the public more involved and pay closer attention to the issue.
“I think that more people need to be made aware of the situation and understand that when they see a poster of a missing person, people are standing to attention and having a look, and making sure that they’re keeping an eye open for these persons that are going missing. Our youth are going missing daily,” she told CityNews.
Rosette says this matter is one that hits close to home, as she was abducted as a child.
“I was abducted by individuals who presented themselves as friends, they wanted to make sure we were all having a good time, but they all had ulterior motives, and when somebody wants to lead you away from your community to have a good time, chances are there are ulterior motives happening,” she shared.
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In a 2010 report from the Native Women’s Association of Canada, British Columbia had the highest number of missing and murdered Indigenous women, recording 160 cases that year. Alberta followed with 93 cases. Over 40 per cent of these cases involve women aged 19 to 30.
Rosette’s organization supports young Indigenous women who are vulnerable in society.
She says she’d like to see more emphasis on cultural sensitivity in cases where Indigenous women and girls are reported missing in B.C.
“I think there still needs to be lots of discussion between the persons on the front lines who are helping the families of the missing and murdered to make sure the authorities are handling us in a mindful way and to respect the culture and traditions of Indigenous persons in the process,” she explained.
Rosette says that process needs to factor in cultural supports, family, and band members to ensure the work is being done right.
She adds she wants the province to “continue to provide funding for education, for a safe environment, to continue to ensure that there are organizations that are well funded with core support so that Indigenous peoples can continue to care for their people in this certain setting.”
Despite the work that is still needed, Rosette says she is happy to see more people becoming involved to spread awareness.
She’d like to see that momentum continue.
“Attend these events when you hear of them, and volunteer at the organization; we need all kinds of help.”
