Sisters in Spirit vigil keeping memory of those lost alive, and on societal conscience

“We want to tell our community they are valued, we are here for them, and we are doing everything in our power to make meaningful steps towards a brighter future for all.”

According to the Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous women are four times likelier than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence.

“Those who are in a position to do more are corporations. They are in a really good spot to take advantage of their resources to create greater visibility. They’re doing themselves a disservice by not taking opportunities to advocate for safety,” says Henry, adding all levels of government can also always do more.

“For people locally, write your MPs, MLAs and municipal councillors on why it’s important to focus on gender equity. The more we encourage our elected representatives to carry forward this message of peace, and communicate to them that understanding the importance of safety for all is key, the more likely they are to do so.”

Gender-based violence affects everyone, Henry adds.

“That’s why there’s value of having these conversations. Gender-based violence, but also racism and other discrimination negatively impacts us all,” they say. “On Red Dress Day in May, there was an absence of non-Indigenous community members, and since this does affect everybody, I’d really love to see more show up and support. The community needs to stand together on this.”

Calls for Justice 15.1 to 15.8 of the National Inquiry asks Canadians to learn how violence against Indigenous women and girls is part of longstanding colonial policies, rather than a result of individual choice.

In full, those eight points are as follows:

15.1 Denounce and speak out against violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people.

15.2 Decolonize by learning the true history of Canada and Indigenous history in your local area. Learn about and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ history, cultures, pride, and diversity, acknowledging the land you live on and its importance to local Indigenous communities, both historically and today.

15.3 Develop knowledge and read the Final Report. Listen to the truths shared, and acknowledge the burden of these human and Indigenous rights violations, and how they impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people today.

15.4 Using what you have learned and some of the resources suggested, become a strong ally. Being a strong ally involves more than just tolerance; it means actively working to break down barriers and to support others in every relationship and encounter in which you participate.

15.5 Confront and speak out against racism, sexism, ignorance, homophobia, and transphobia, and teach or encourage others to do the same, wherever it occurs: in your home, in your workplace, or in social settings.

15.6 Protect, support, and promote the safety of women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people by acknowledging and respecting the value of every person and every community, as well as the right of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people to generate their own, self-determined solutions.

15.7 Create time and space for relationships based on respect as human beings, supporting and embracing differences with kindness, love, and respect. Learn about Indigenous principles of relationship specific to those Nations or communities in your local area and work, and put them into practice in all of your relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

15.8 Help hold all governments accountable to act on the Calls for Justice, and to implement them according to the important principles we set out.

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An extensive CBC report from June 2023 grades how each province and territory has done in terms of fulfilling the MMIWG inquiry’s calls for justice.

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Grief takes forefront at Red Dress Day observance in Red Deer

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Sisters in Spirit vigil keeping memory of those lost alive, and on societal conscience

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