British Columbia’s public safety minister Nina Kreiger and the parliamentary secretary for gender equity said  Wednesday that the provincial government is committed to continue action to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people on the occasion of  Red Dress Day. 

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said the day is an opportunity to honour victims and recommit to “the urgent work of justice and prevention.”

“The red dress … is a powerful symbol of how many Indigenous people have been murdered or remain missing,” Krieger said, referring to the work of Métis artist Jaime Black, whose installation inspired the annual observance.

Krieger said the province is supporting Indigenous-led initiatives through its “Path Forward” strategy and community fund, which has provided nearly $21 million in combined provincial and federal funding to more than 100 anti-violence projects.

An annual progress update on the government’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is expected to be released in June, she added.

The minister also pointed to infrastructure and safety investments in northern regions, including expanded cellular coverage along Highway 16 — often referred to as the Highway of Tears — and transportation services provided by BC Bus North.