National Inquiry supports families and survivors during Sisters in Spirit Vigils
Press Release
October 04, 2017
Vancouver, British Columbia- The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls commends all communities- over 200 and counting, that are hosting vigils and walks across the entire country for the 11th annual Sisters in Spirit Vigils on October 4.
Chief Commissioner Marion Buller and Commissioners Michèle Audette, Qajaq Robinson, and Brian Eyolfson will attend a Sisters in Spirit Vigil in Ottawa. Later in the evening, Commissioners Michèle Audette and Qajaq Robinson will attend another one in Montreal. There will also be a moment of silence in our National Inquiry’s head office in Vancouver followed by an honour song performed by staff member and Drum Carrier Lorraine Richard.
“My fellow Commissioners and I stand in support of the families and survivors in Ottawa, Montreal and other communities across Canada that are participating in vigils today. We will honour all of your lost loved ones-Grandmothers. Grand-daughters. Mothers. Daughters. Sisters. Aunties. Nieces. Cousins. Friends,” said Chief Commissioner Marion Buller.
“And we stand with the families and survivors every day that follows, in the work that we do within the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,” said Commissioner Eyolfson.
There are approximately 60 National Inquiry staff members, most of whom are located in different parts of the country. Many are participating in Sisters in Spirit Vigils that are already registered with the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC): https://www.nwac.ca/policy-areas/violence-prevention-and-safety/sisters-in-spirit/october-4th-vigils/.
In 2006, the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) began marking the day to honour lost loved ones. The first year, there were 11 events in Canada.
“The best way to understand the issue is to go and hear the stories of families and survivors that are at these events. Let’s support these families together,” said Commissioner Audette.
Feel free to send us any pictures from the Sisters in Spirit Vigils you attend. You can send to our Facebook page or tag our Twitter account.
The National Inquiry’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MMIWG
The National Inquiry’s twitter page: https://twitter.com/MMIWG
The Commissioners of the National Inquiry encourage all Canadians to find a vigil in your area and to take family or friends with you. Together, let us find the truth, honour the truth, and give life to the truth as a path to healing.
“Now is the time to listen. Now is the time to understand the experiences and truths so we can all work together to make Canada a safe space for all Indigenous women, girls, and LGBTQ2S people,” said Commissioner Robinson.
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Released by:
National Inquiry
Communications 604-561-8520
Email: media@mmiwg-ffada.ca
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