Carrier Sekani Family Services (CSFS) and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), in partnership with the Northern Feminist Institute for Research and Evaluation (Northern FIRE), have released a new research report providing critical recommendations for service providers, government leaders, and policymakers to address the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
This research, conducted in collaboration with Indigenous leaders, survivors, and community members, sheds light on the systemic barriers that contribute to the overrepresentation of Indigenous women in gender-based violence statistics and the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
“This report highlights the incredible strength and resilience of the communities along Highway 16,” said Julie Daum, Executive Director of Justice at CSFS. “We know there are still many gaps and challenges in addressing violence against Indigenous women, and that’s why this partnership—between CSFS, UNBC, and Northern FIRE—focused on the voices of those who know this reality best. Our goal was to listen, to uplift these experiences, and to ensure that decision-makers at the highest levels hear your concerns, your challenges, and the advocacy you carry every single day. We hope this report reflects that and honours your voices.”
Dr. Geoff Payne, President of UNBC, says that it is essential for research to not just remain within a university, but to extend into community for real change to happen.
“It is important to take research beyond the walls of the University; keeping it confined here means it can’t create meaningful change. For such a critical and urgent issue, research must drive real impact. This work can get us to a place where there is no gender-based violence against Indigenous women and children, because one incident is far too many. It’s encouraging when research can inform our actions as that’s an important goal for the University and our community.”
For Jacqueline Holler, UNBC Professor in Women’s Studies and History, and lead investigator for the project, the report is about creating action while respecting and building on previous work in this subject area.
“At the heart of this research is the need to move the conversation forward and create real change now. Our region is known for its advocacy, but the challenge is turning that into concrete, well-evaluated programs. This project builds on existing recommendations, focusing on actionable steps informed by what we heard from communities. This project is not meant to supplant any of the recommendations that have been made already. It’s trying to build on them and make compartmentalized or actionable steps that can be taken, and that is what we heard in community.”
Dawn Hemingway, UNBC Professor Emerita of Social Work and Gender Studies, and part of the leadership team of the Northern FIRE, says that this project fits the vision of Northern FIRE due to concern about the unique challenges of health and safety for women in Northern BC.
“There are questions of basic needs of Indigenous communities in Northern BC with its particular geographical challenges – questions around health care, transportation, education, and having a basic amount of income. We need to hear the voices of people who have direct experience, and learn from all the programs, plans, research that’s been done in the past and work collectively to have a loud enough voice that can’t be ignored and make sure that those in the government at various levels actually do something.”
The report highlights concrete strategies “to start moving forward”, including:
• Formation and maintenance of meaningful partnerships that respect Indigenous self-determination and incorporate Indigenous knowledge and perspectives
• The need for improved data collection and sharing
• Culturally appropriate services and responses by law enforcement agencies
•Adequate funding for support services
The full report is available for download at www.csfs.org/MMIWGReport2025.