We are adding our voices in opposition to the RCMP’s application to dispose of evidence collected during the investigations of the Robert Pickton case. This recent move by the RCMP only adds to the long-standing systemic failures that enabled the murder and disappearance of over 50+ women in the Downtown Eastside. Pickton was tried for 26 of these cases and was only convicted for 6 of these murders.  The disposal of this evidence means that families of the victims who were connected to the Pickton investigation could face additional barriers in knowing what happened to their loved ones. 

This application only retraumatizes these families who are waiting for their day in court and reiterates the way the RCMP and the VPD fail to prioritize justice for Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people. This move is in opposition to the calls to action outlined in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and we appeal to the BC Supreme Court of Justice to see that the RCMP and all governing bodies uphold them. 

Families of MMIWG2S+ deserve justice. All Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people deserve safety. We urge the City of Vancouver to further their commitment to Indigenous communities, particularly those living in the Downtown Eastside as outlined in the recommendations in the MMIWG2S Action Plan Response which was submitted to council in July 2022. The City of Vancouver must also leverage their influence to put pressure on the Federal Government to demand that the RCMP keep this evidence intact.

We call on our community to stand with these families and with all families of MMIWG2S+ by contacting your elected officials in all levels to advocate that this evidence be preserved before this application is heard at the BC Supreme Court on January 25, 2024. 

As an organization we continue to offer support and healing for the families and loved ones of this MMIWG2S+ crisis through our Indigenous Support Services which is available free-of-charge. Additional support and resources for families and loved ones are available through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society.  

Immediate support can be accessed by calling toll-free:

• Salal’s 24 Hour Crisis and Information Line at 1-877-392-7583
• The Indian Residential School Survivors Society at 1-866-925-4419 

We are in gratitude to Dr. Sasha Reid and Sue Brown for making the initial call to preserve this evidence pertaining to the Robert Pickton case and for mobilizing our communities to come together in support of these families and loved ones.

Sources:

• Victims’ families, women’s advocates demand RCMP halt plan to dispose of Robert Pickton evidence
• City of Vancouver MMIWG2S Action Plan Response 
• Red Dress Alert 
• MMIWG National Enquiry Executive Summary