President’s Message: National Day of Awareness for MMIWG

A message from VCC president Ajay Patel

Dear VCC community,

I would like to acknowledge, with gratitude, that we work, live, and learn on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

Wednesday, May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. I ask you to join me in wearing red in remembrance of the Indigenous women, girls, and transexual and two-spirit individuals who have gone missing or have been murdered in Canada.

Also known as Red Dress Day, May 5 is an opportunity for all of us to acknowledge the systemic racism and violence against Indigenous women and girls all across Canada, which deeply impacts our Indigenous colleagues, their families, and our broader Indigenous community. 

At VCC, we acknowledge the pain and barriers many of our Indigenous students and colleagues face in our society, and our college is committed to decrease the number of murdered or missing Indigenous women and girls through education and advocacy, both in the classroom and in community.  

As we look towards VCC’s next chapter, our college will continue to focus on building community-based supports that foster safe, inclusive spaces for Indigenous women and girls, and educational opportunities that are easily accessible from all areas of the province.

Please join VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement department in wearing red on Wednesday, May 5 to honour and raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Additional ways to participate include free webinars, social media campaigns, and a physically distanced gathering outside Vancouver City Hall.

Sincerely,

Ajay Patel
President and CEO
Vancouver Community College