The Province and its Aboriginal partners will hold a provincial gathering to support healing for families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 2016, in Prince George.

In June 2014, the Province, the First Nations Leadership Council and Métis Nation BC signed a Memorandum of Understanding confirming their shared commitment to end violence against Aboriginal women and girls. Together they will partner with Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and Carrier Sekani Family Services to co-host the gathering.

A private welcoming event will be held for family members on Sunday, Jan. 31, with a variety of facilitated sessions and cultural activities taking place throughout Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 1 and 2.

The family gathering’s supportive environment will help foster further healing for families and communities who have experienced the pain caused from violence against Aboriginal women and girls. It will provide a forum for family members from throughout B.C. to share their experiences and support one another in their journey of healing. It will also inform the continued collaborative work between B.C. and Aboriginal partners and communities for seeking a path to stop the violence.

Announced on June 16, 2015, the gathering follows up on a commitment made by John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, at the inaugural National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Ottawa in February 2015. Rustad attended the roundtable with a provincial delegation that included Aboriginal family members.