Lucy Kuptana, Minister Responsible for Status of Women, issued the following statement ahead of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

As we look to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we pause to honour the lives lost and voices silenced by gender-based violence and recommit ourselves to building safer communities for women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals across the Northwest Territories. This day reminds us of the tragic events at École Polytechnique in Montréal 36 years ago, where 14 young women were murdered simply because they were women. Their memory calls us to action.

Gender-based violence remains a harsh reality in our territory. The Northwest Territories continues to have one of the highest rates of intimate partner and family violence in Canada. This is a crisis that demands urgent and sustained action.

I also acknowledge the ongoing national tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. We stand with families and communities who live with this pain every day, and we commit to supporting healing and justice.

There is no single conversation, policy or program that can end gender-based violence in all its forms. It will take consistent effort, accountability and a deeper understanding of the reasons why someone would choose to commit violence based on gender. This year’s theme for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is ‘Come Together, Act Now.’ These words remind us that ending violence is not the responsibility of one person or one organization. It requires all of us. Together, we can create change. Every voice matters and we need allies of every gender speaking out against violence to leave a legacy of healing, rather than one of trauma.

Earlier this year, I hosted the federal-provincial-territorial meeting of Ministers responsible for the Status of Women here in the Northwest Territories. At that meeting, we discussed the urgent need to address all forms of violence— including emerging threats such as online harassment and the misuse of artificial intelligence to target women. These attacks are harmful and are discouraging women from running for elected office and seeking leadership roles. This is unacceptable, and we are committed to working with our partners across Canada to confront these challenges head-on.

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) continues to take action. Through a GNWT Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, we are investing in shelters, community programs, and initiatives that provide support and safety for those at risk. We are working alongside Indigenous governments, community organizations, and advocates to strengthen prevention efforts and ensure survivors have access to the help they need.

I would also like to acknowledge the YWCA NWT, Yellowknife Women’s Society, Status of Women Council of the NWT, the Native Women’s Association of the NWT and the local Victim Services Programs across the territory. Frontline services and supports are saving lives and breaking cycles of violence every day and I thank these organizations for their critical work.

On this day of remembrance, let us honour those we have lost by committing to a future where everyone can live free from violence and fear. Thank you for standing with us in this fight.

Together, we can make a difference. Quyanainni.”