Each year, family members, Indigenous members of the community and those who want to show their supporters gather for a vigil on October 4th to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people (MMIWG2S). If you are affected by the loss of MMIWG2S reach out for support. This can include the MMIWG2S Support Line at 1-844-413-6649. It’s a national, toll-free support call line is available to provide support for anyone who requires assistance. This line is available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Traditionally vigils take place in many communities across Canada as well as internationally. These gatherings serve to raise awareness and to provide support to families who have lost a loved one. Covid-19 may change gatherings this year, but we can still spend today reflecting upon what continues to happen across Turtle Island, this land we now call Canada and the USA.
We can learn about our shared history of colonization and how it continues today. We can share what we learn with those around us. We can call upon those in power to implement the Calls to Action from the TRC and the recommendations from the final report of the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls
Art, education and community projects are one of the paths to healing that are taking place including Walking With Our Sisters art installation and Jaime Black’s Red Dress Project
The REDress Project from Faculty of Arts on Vimeo.
