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AFN National MMIWG2S+ Gathering

Feb 14 - 16, 2023
In-PersonThe Westin Bayshore

About the Event An opportunity for MMIWG2S+ Survivors and Families to come together

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is pleased to host a national MMIWG2S+ Gathering with plenary and dialogue sessions to discuss the National Action Plan to End Violence Against Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the First Nations Action Plan, and implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice. The Gathering is an opportunity for MMIWG2S+ Survivors and Families to come together and reflect on the work that has been completed to date and discuss the actions needed to end violence against First Nations women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples.

This website will provide information on the AFN National MMIWG2S+ Gathering. Check back for updated information as details are confirmed.

Wellness Supports

The Assembly of First Nations and AFN Women’s Council committed to carrying out advocacy work on MMIWG2S+ using a “families’ first,” distinctions-based, and trauma informed approach.

Arrangements have been made to provide on-call wellness supports from February 13-17, 2023. The on-call number will be provided closer to the event date.

Outside of these dates you can also contact national call lines:

  • Hope for Wellness Help Line for immediate help, 24/7 hours a day, 7 days a week: Toll Free: 1-855-242-3310
  • The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line for immediate help: Toll Free: 1-866-925-4419

Who should attend?

  • First Nations MMIWG2S+ Survivors and Families
  • MMIWG2S+ Grassroots and Regional Organizations
  • Chiefs and Councillors or their representatives

Background

Breathing Life into the Calls for Justice

The Assembly of First Nations released the report, Breathing Life into the Calls for Justice: An Action Plan to End Violence Against First Nations Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People on June 3, 2021. This report provides a national Framework for Supporting Survivors and Families, Prevention, and Healing Ourselves and Our First Nations. Breathing Life into the Calls for Justice is meant to be an “evergreen” document and will be updated following the AFN’s National MMIWG2S+ Gathering.

Calls for Justice

The AFN Women’s Council carried out a National Engagement process in all 11 AFN Regions for the development of Breathing Life into the Calls for Justice. The AFN strongly believes in listening to MMIWG2S+ survivors and families on what is needed to end violence against First Nations women, girls, 2-spirited, and gender-diverse peoples. The AFN Women’s Council worked with the AFN Regions to host 85 virtual sessions from coast-to-coast-to-coast, with 1,144 participants through virtual meetings, surveys, written, and video submissions. These sessions were designed to be inclusive of different geographic regions, ages, genders, and perspectives.

The AFN Women’s Council compiled a summary of the MMIWG National Inquiry’s 231 Calls for Justice, which was used to help provide background information as part of the National Engagement. This summary is meant to provide a high-level overview of the 231 Calls for Justice, which can be read in full at the link below:

Resolutions

The First Nations-in-Assembly passed resolutions providing the mandate to carry out activities that support implementing the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples:

How to Attend Find out how to register, how to get there, and where to stay.

Registration

There is no cost to register for this event.

The AFN National MMIWG2S+ Gathering will be held in a hybrid format, meaning, all attendees have the option to join in-person or online. All participants are encouraged to pre-register to avoid any delays. See below steps to register:

  • Register ONLINE at afn.ca You will receive a confirmation email.
  • Complete the registration form from the link below and FAX it to Tash Cote at 613-241-5808 or send by email to [email protected]
  • ON-SITE registration at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver in Vancouver B.C.

Accommodations

The Assembly of First Nations has arranged for a block reservation at The Westin Bayshore Vancouver. The Room Rate is $259.00 for single/double rooms, plus applicable taxes and fees.

The cutoff date to make reservations under the block reservation is Monday, January 23, 2023.

Reservations can be made online through The Westin Bayshore Vancouver.

For those not wishing to make a reservation online, please contact the Westin Bayshore Vancouver through the following methods:

  • Toll-Free: 1-888-236-2427
  • Hotel Direct: (604) 682-3377
  • Reservation Fax: (604) 691-6980
  • Reservations Email: [email protected]

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the AFN National MMIWG2S+ Gathering, please contact the Assembly of First Nations by email at [email protected]