Research Projects 

In collaboration with the Northern Feminist Institute for Research and Evaluation (Northern FIRE) at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Carrier Sekani Family Services has been conducting research evaluating best practices for reducing violence toward Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people along the Highway of Tears.

In 2023, our team conducted a series of focus groups in communities along the Highway to evaluate what was being done to reduce violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in northern British Columbia. In February 2025, CSFS and Northern FIRE released a report called “When is the Solution Going to Start Happening?” summarizing the findings from the project. The final report can be viewed here: UNBC Message from Mary and Julie- January 19 2024.pdf. 

In Fall 2025, our team conducted another series of research focus groups in communities across northern BC and online via Zoom in preparation for the 20th Anniversary Commemoration of the Highway of Tears Symposium in April 2026. The purpose of the focus groups was to assess the 33 Recommendations from the 2006 Highway of Tears Symposium Report. We sought to find out what has been done since 2006 and what still needs attention to prevent further violence against Indigenous women and girls.

The research from the focus groups is currently being compiled and will be shared at the 20th Anniversary Commemoration in April 2026. The findings will then be summarized in a written report that will be shared publicly on our website and social media. Please stay tuned for the report’s release.