May 5th marks the National Day of Awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two spirit (MMIWG2S).
The Tŝilhqot’in Women’s Council put out a release saying that their communities face heavy amounts of grief caused by tragedy, and has continued since the time of the Chilcotin war of 1864.
They further added that there’s a feeling that anyone or their family could be next, and living like that isn’t acceptable.
Stats were also provided by BC’s Representative for Children and Youth titled “missing”, showing 65 percent of lost or missing youth were Indigenous, with Indigenous females accounting for 40 percent.
The Women’s Council added that “We are wearing red today to remember and honour all Indigenous people that have been victims of violence.”
Lastly, they noted that this has been a long standing chapter of Indigenous memory and history that needs to end.