November 25, 2024 – The National Family and Survivors Circle Inc. (NFSC) stands united with survivors, families, Indigenous communities, advocates, and allies during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, amplifying the call to action from November 25 to December 10 under Canada’s 2024 theme: “Come Together, Act Now.”

This theme resonates deeply with the NFSC’s mission, urging collective action to address the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. It compels governments, organizations, and individuals to break the silence, confront inequities, and take decisive, rights-based actions to uphold safety and justice.

For too long, violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals has been met with systemic inaction, underfunding, and policies that fail to address root causes. The NFSC reaffirms the 231 Calls for Justice as legal imperatives that demand immediate implementation. “Come Together, Act Now” must be more than a slogan—it must drive governments, institutions, communities, and individuals to take responsibility for ending this violence and ensuring the human rights of all are protected.

Hilda Anderson-Pyrz, NFSC Chair/President, states, “‘Come Together, Act Now’ is not just a theme—it is a mandate. It calls us to recognize that ending gender-based violence is a shared responsibility and a human rights obligation. By acting now, we honor the lives lost, empower survivors, and uphold the sacred right of every individual to live free from fear and violence.”

We call upon governments, institutions, agencies, and all Canadians to take bold, immediate steps that drive systemic change:

  • Come Together: Forge meaningful partnerships with survivors, families, and Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, ensuring their voices and leadership guide every decision and action.
  • Act Now: Prioritize the full implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice, address systemic inequities, and commit to sustained, equitable resources to end the cycle of violence and uphold the rights of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Ending gender-based violence is a shared responsibility that requires bold and unified efforts from all sectors of society to create lasting change on ground —restoring safety, security, dignity, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

For more information on how to engage during the 16 Days of Activism, visit 16 Days of Activism.

 

 

We understand that this subject matter is difficult for many people in our community. If you require immediate support, please contact the national, independent toll free 24/7 support line at 1-844-413-6649 to speak to a counsellor. The service is available in English, French, Cree, Anishnaabemowin (Ojibway), and Inuktitut.

About the National Family and Survivors Circle, Inc.

The NFSC Inc. is a legally incorporated, non-profit organization comprised of Inuit, Métis, and First Nations, women from diverse backgrounds who use their lived expertise to advocate for centering the voices of families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and girls, survivors of gender-based violence, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in the implementation of the 231 Calls for Justice, the National Action Plan on MMIWG2S+, and the Federal Pathway.

NFSC Inc website: https://familysurvivorscircle.ca/

Media Inquiries: info@familysurvivorscircle.ca