A Nisga’a committee was presented with a provincial award for their response to violence against women in the Nass Valley. Sponsored through a partnership program by the Ending Violence Association of BC and the BC Lions, the third annual Be More Than a Bystander Award recognizes outstanding contributions of community members taking significant steps to end gender-based violence.
The Nisga’a Violence Against Women in Relationships Committee (VAWIR) was singled out as this year’s winner for their dedication to increase safety and wellness in the valley, while addressing issues of domestic and sexual violence through collaboration.
“Collaboration is the key to the work of the members and we always work under the principles of our edicts in the Nisga’a Nation, which are take your time and be careful in all the work we do,” said Millie Percival, accepting the award on behalf of the VAWIR Committee.
“It’s an amazing honour and it encourages us to continue the work that we’re doing…when it comes to raising awareness and increasing safety, the discussion is the work.”
In a press release EVA noted VAWIR has developed a coordinated response to gender-based violence with the specific needs of the culture and history of the Nisga’a people, in keeping with traditional teachings based on principles of respect and compassion.
The Be More Than A Bystander program between EVA BC and the BC Lions aims to showcase sports icons using their status and public profile to create awareness about gender-based violence. EVA BC works with communities across BC to end violence against women and children, supporting more than 300 programs and initiatives that respond to sexual and domestic violence, child abuse, and criminal harassment.