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By rdnewsNOW Staff

Sisters in Spirit Day

Red Deer Native Friendship Society hosts vigil for missing and murdered Indigenous women

Oct 4, 2022 | 10:34 AM

The Red Deer Native Friendship Centre will be hosting a vigil on Tuesday in honor of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit.

Central Albertans will be walking from the Centre (4808 51 Ave.) to City Hall and the Red Deer Museum from 5 – 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, permanently designated as Sisters in Sprit Day by the province of Alberta.

(Red Deer Native Friendhsip Society)

“On this day, we honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+). We also keep their families and loved ones in our hearts and remind ourselves why we must continue to address this ongoing crisis,” said Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson in a release.

Various events are taking place across the province, including a virtual press conference by Amnesty International featuring family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.

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“Let this day be a reminder that we must all focus on this serious issue every day of the year. I have heard too many heartbreaking stories and I have seen the pain of too many Indigenous women who have experienced violence,” said Minister Wilson.

The minister stated he would soon be announcing the members of the Premier’s Council on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. He says the council will use the Alberta Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Roadmap to guide concrete actions with the goal of making Alberta a safer place for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus (2S+) people.

He continued to state the government has not only supported opportunities for healing, like the retreats led by Indigenous women at the YWCA’s Camp Yowochas throughout the year, but also other initiatives including:

• Creation of the Alberta Joint Working Group on MMIWG
• Creation of the Human Trafficking Task Force for survivors
• Passing of Clare’s Law for domestic violence victims
• Amending of the vital statistics legislation prohibiting anyone designated as a dangerous, long-term or high-risk offender from completing a legal name change
• Held various engagements with Indigenous women, seeking their input into finding solutions to this crisis.

“Ending the MMIWG2S+ crisis is a priority for our government, and it is an issue close to my heart. We will continue working to find lasting solutions and provide opportunities for healing for the loved ones and families of MMIWG2S+,” he said.