Sisters in Spirit Day honours the memories of the more than 1,200 missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada. On October 4, vigils and events are also held across the country to support family members and loved ones.
The Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls states:
“As the evidence demonstrates, human rights and Indigenous rights abuses and violations committed and condoned by the Canadian state represent genocide against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. These abuses and violations have resulted in the denial of safety, security, and human dignity. They are the root causes of the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people that generate and maintain a world within which Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people are forced to confront violence on a daily basis, and where perpetrators act with impunity.”
There needs to be a commitment to end the violence and abuse that still exists. The report delivers 231 individual Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, social service providers, industries and all Canadians. I invite you to read the Calls to Justice , and choose one that you can act upon.
I invite you to read and listen to the stories of families who have lost loved ones, these stories are far too common. I invite you to walk with us, to show support as we gather and honor our loved ones. The Sisters in Spirit Vigil will begin at 10:00am at Stephen Avenue and 3rd Street SW Calgary. We will march to Olympic Plaza, where the ceremony will begin at 11:00am.
Read: Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Visit: Awo Taan’s Youtube Channel and listen to Stories from families of MMIW
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr2jhbYFIrCKypfWDhwJfoQ
Support: There are many Indigenous Organizations and Indigenous community serving organizations within Calgary that work to support Indigenous families, I have listed some below. Please consider donating or volunteering your time:
- Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society
- Miskanawah Community Services Association
- Métis Calgary Family Services
- Trellis Society
- Aboriginal Friendship Center of Calgary
- Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth
- Aboriginal Futures
- Bear Clan Patrol Calgary
- Métis Local 87
- Circle of Wisdom Elders and Seniors Centre
- Elizabeth Fry Society
- Closer to Home
References:
https://www.alberta.ca/sisters-in-spirit.aspx
