BC investing in projects to thwart violence against Indigenous Peoples

The BC government is providing new funding to Indigenous Peoples of the province, with the aim of the funds being to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

The funding is coming via the Province’s ‘Path Forward Community Fund,’ which was created in 2022. 

Through the program, nearly $21 million has been invested in community safety endeavours, which includes an additional $5 million this year through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

“Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people experience violence far too often, and decades of harmful policies and practices have created cycles that continue to affect people today,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. 

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Indigenous people and communities have the resources and support they need to drive community solutions to ending violence.”

According to the Province, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres are tasked with managing the funds. 

Thus far, they have been able to support 86 Indigenous-led community projects, such as the a community workshop on anti-violence and support for gatherings regarding issues affecting Métis Two-Spirit and LGBTQQIA+ communities.

“The Path Forward Community Fund is helping Indigenous communities and organizations create their own culturally safe solutions to address gender-based violence,” said Christine Boyle, BC Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. 

“We know there is more to do, and we’re committed to working hand-in-hand with Indigenous partners to build a province that is safer for Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.”

The Province also says that it has a plan for the New Path Forward Fund for the year of 2025. 

The BC government says they hope to address systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in BC.

Some ways the Province claims to be acting upon these systemic issues are implementing the Anti-Racism Act, as well as a gender-based violence action plan.

BC’s Path Forward plan includes 28 commitments to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls’ 231 calls for justice.