Prince George, B.C. – British Columbia’s Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation minister has announced that a provincial gathering will be held in Prince George early in the new year to support healing for families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls.

In June 2014 the province, the First Nations Leadership Council and Métis Nation BC signed a Memorandum of Understanding confirming their shared commitment to end violence against Aboriginal women and girls. They will be joining with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, the Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women, Carrier Sekani Tribal Council and Carrier Sekani Family Services to co-host the gathering.

A private welcoming event will be held for family members on Sunday, Jan. 31st, with a variety of facilitated sessions and cultural activities taking place throughout Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 1st and 2nd.

The gathering will provide a forum for family members from throughout B.C. to share their experiences and support one another.  It will also further the efforts of B.C. and the Aboriginal community to stop the violence.

The gathering follows a commitment made by Minister John Rustad at the inaugural National Roundtable on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Ottawa last February.