Dzenes hoonzoo – good day:
From now until International Human Rights Day on December 10th, I invite the CNC community to reflect on gender-based violence and consider our roles in preventing and ending it. In Canada, this period includes the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6th, when we honor the 14 women murdered at the École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989.
Gender-based violence disproportionately affects many different groups including women and girls; Indigenous women and girls; black and racialized women; immigrant and refugee women; women with disabilities; 2SLGBTQI+ individuals; and women in northern, rural, and remote communities.
It's alarming that 43 per cent of Indigenous women in Canada have experienced sexual assault since the age of 15. Further, 11 million people in Canada have experienced intimate partner violence at least once since the age of 15.
As you consider your roles, I encourage you to visit the Government of Canada’s website for 16 ways to end gender-based violence. I will also share thoughts as Canadians mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Friday December 6th.
Snachalhuya- thank you.
Cindy