AFN Continues Call for Collaborative Action to End Violence Against Women

OTTAWA, Dec. 6 /CNW/ - On a day recognized nationally for remembrance and action for violence against women, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo and AFN Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh today expressed the continued need for the Government of Canada to work with Indigenous and women's organizations to end violence against women. 

"The Assembly of First Nations is committed to working together with the federal, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous and women's groups and organizations to develop a national action plan, focused on prevention, to end violence against all women in Canada," said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo.   "Ensuring collaboration with First Nations and the victims of violence must be a priority for the federal government and all Canadians. This includes ensuring support for initiatives that work for our people, like Sisters in Spirit and other community-based efforts."

December 6th has been recognized by the Government of Canada as a national day for remembrance and action to end violence against women.  The AFN continues to advocate strongly for action that will ensure the safety of Indigenous women across Canada and support for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women.  In October, AFN joined the call by the Native Women's Association of Canada for all levels of government to engage Indigenous and women's groups on the development of a national action plan that would both support families of victims and address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women. 

"There are now almost 600 unresolved cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women in this country," said AFN Women's Council Chair Kathleen McHugh.  "We will be persistent in our work to examine the root causes that put too many Indigenous women in vulnerable situations and to ensure government support for the initiatives and programs focused on public awareness and prevention."

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. 

For further information:

Jenna Young, Assembly of First Nations Communications Officer at 613-241-6789, ext 401, 613-314-8157 or [email protected]

Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer, 613-241-6789, ext 382, 613 292-0857 or [email protected]