This Monday, October 4th, communities across Canada will be holding vigils to commemorate the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. This is the fifth year for these national Sisters in Spirit vigils. You are strongly encouraged to attend a vigil in your community.
As Amnesty International documented in our 2004 Stolen Sisters report, public indifference to the rights and well-being of Indigenous women helps fuel the violence and also denied Indigenous and their families protection and justice. This has to change.
Check out some of the activities planned next week with Amnesty International members.
Lethbridge
Amnesty members in Lethbridge will participate in a candlelight vigil to remember and raise awareness about missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada. Beverley Jacobs, past-President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada will be a guest speaker. The vigil will be held on October 4th at 7:00pm at Galt Gardens.
Regina
You are invited to honour missing and murdered Aboriginal women at Regina’s October 4th vigil. The artistic event will begin at 4pm at the CBC Galleria (Broad St at College) with art installations, drumming, and a community information fair. Chili and bannock will be served. All are then welcomed to gather for the 6:30pm blessing and performance, followed by the candlelight vigil.
Winnipeg
Please come out and support the families who have been impacted by a loved one being murdered or who have gone missing. An honouring vigil for Manitoba’s missing and murdered women will take place on October 4th from 7-8:30pm at the Legislative Building (in the back by the fountain).
Ottawa
Stand up in solidarity on October 4 and demand action on Parliament Hill. The Ottawa SIS vigil will begin with a rally at noon on Parliament, followed by a unity march at 1pm and a community feast at St. John’s Church on Elgin and Somerset.
Toronto
All are invited to attend the Toronto Sisters in Spirit vigil on October 4th at Allan Gardens from 7 to 9pm.
Hamilton
This year, Hamilton’s Sisters in Spirit vigil will be held at the Hamilton Police Service Mountain Station from 9:30 to 10:30am. The morning event will include singers, various speakers and a two minute silence to commemorate the lives of Aboriginal women and girls.
Halifax
Halifax’s Sisters in Spirit Vigil will be held on Sunday October 3rd from 11am to 1pm at the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre (2158 Gottingen St). Join the community gathering to share a meal. Check out the facebook page for this event.
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