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As discussions continue at the Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women Gathering, participants have surfaced critical priorities and reflections shaping the dialogue: ● Lack of access to affordable housing and risk of homelessness ● Sex trafficking linked to work camps and non-local workers ● Mental stresses and depression connected to suicide ● Double burden of gender and racialized discrimination ● Heightened drug trade activity A powerful conversation developed about the 550 missing and murdered males in Alberta. We must stop excluding them from these discussions. Violence and vulnerability affect Indigenous women, girls, 2SLGBTQQIA+ people and men, and addressing these realities requires inclusive, systemic solutions. These insights reinforce the need to embed safety, security, and wellness into project planning from the outset through Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis Plus (IGBA+), and community- and Indigenous-led oversight.

A huge shoutout to Mo Dawson, the talented graphic artist who is capturing the heart of our conversations at the SESC Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women Gathering. Mo’s visual storytelling is bringing complex discussions to life; turning priorities, reflections, and ideas into powerful images that speak louder than words. It’s a beautiful way to honour the voices in the room and ensure these insights resonate long after the gathering ends. Thank you, Mo, for your incredible work and creativity! https://www.modawsoncreative.com/

Today and tomorrow (December 4–5, 2025), the IAMC‑TMX Socioeconomic Subcommittee (SESC) is hosting the Protecting and Promoting Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse People in the Context of the Building Canada Act, 2025 on Musqueam xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Territory (Richmond, BC). This two‑day gathering brings together Indigenous leaders, knowledge holders, and partners to focus on the safety, security (including economic security), and wellness of Indigenous women, girls, two‑spirit and gender diverse (2SLGBTQQIA+) people. We’ll explore what Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) means in the context of accelerated and streamlined infrastructure and resource development stemming from the Building Canada Act, 2025, share wise practices for community safety and oversight, and recognize the importance of Indigenous involvement in condition‑setting and monitoring. The gathering features a range of speakers and engagement activities to surface priorities for future action and research.

Register now for our Regional Engagement Session in Kamloops on Nov.27. This session is a chance to: • Connect with Nations in your region. • Share your community’s priorities. • Ask questions and guide how IAMC-TMX evolves after the 2025 Line Wide Gathering. Please register for the session closest to your community. Kamloops registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/iamc-tmx-interior-bc-regional-engagement-session-tickets-1838961396039?aff=oddtdtcreator General Regional Engagement information: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/LINEWIDE2025/regionals

Our 8th annual Line Wide Gathering has wrapped up. Thank you to everyone who joined us, sharing openly, honestly, and with such transparency. Your voices made this Gathering truly meaningful. We're grateful to the Indigenous community members who travelled to be here, the regulators who were incredible listeners, and for all the collaborations that continue to develop. Our Elders closed with prayers, reminding us to take care of Mother Earth and to carry hope in our hearts as we move forward together.

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Day 3 Line Wide Gathering - Carrying the Fire Forward This morning began with a beautiful pipe ceremony and prayer led by our Elders, filling our spirits and reminding us of the unconditional love they share. We are deeply grateful for their guidance. We also honoured presenters Alan Ehrlich and Frank Vanclay through a blanketing ceremony. The event featured Dene and Cree voices and a Cree song. Grand Chief Doug Kelly spoke and reflected on the wisdom shared from our Elders to listen deeply and hold on to hope.

Line Wide Gathering, Day 2: Lighting the Path Forward Today was a powerful day of connection and vision. We began and ended with Elders' prayers, laughter and insights. Throughout the day, we imagined what the future could look like. We asked: What can Indigenous-led oversight truly look like? We explored future systems and the conversations were brilliant, bold and respectful. From Indigenous experts and leaders to regulators and academics, we witnessed the strength and spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Panellists, speakers, and participants alike helped paint a picture of what’s possible when we come together. Day 2 was all about visioning the future, the projects, policies, and tools that will shape tomorrow. It was a day to reflect, imagine, and commit to illuminating the way forward, together. Special shoutout to Martin, Happy Birthday! Photo credit to Ramsey Kunkel Photography, and Angie Saltman

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We’re honoured to have graphic recorder Joleyne Mayers-Jaekel of ViClarity Inc. visually documenting the heart of our conversations at this year's Line Wide Gathering. Through her art, the essence of Indigenous-led oversight, long-term stewardship, and Nation-to-Nation collaboration is brought to life in real time. As we look ahead, these visuals remind us of the power of story, spirit, and shared vision.