Violence against Indigenous women and girls must stop, says Saskatoon vigil organizer
Vigils and walks taking place Wednesday across Canada to remember missing and murdered Indigenous women
Myrna LaPlante is encouraged by the growing number of people who are aware of the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, but she says awareness is not enough.
She was one of the organizers of a Saskatoon vigil Wednesday night to remember and honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
"These events are still continuing to happen at a high and alarming rate in spite of all of the awareness that we're doing," LaPlante said as she prepared for the Wednesday evening walk and vigil organized by Iskwewuk E-wichiwitochik (Women Walking Together).
LaPlante serves as event co-chair. More than eight years ago, her aunt, Emily Osmond, went missing from her home near the Kawacatoose First Nation, about 200 kilometres southeast of Saskatoon.
Similar vigils were held around the country Wednesday for the first national day dedicated to honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
In Saskatchewan, the number of events held around the province each year is growing rapidly — from just a handful a decade ago to more than 200 today.
LaPlante said those numbers are remarkable, but she's saddened to see Indigenous women and girls continuing to suffer far higher levels of violence than the general population.
LaPlante said that has to stop, but said she has faith that the ongoing MMIWG national inquiry will provide a recipe for change.
Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde agreed. Bellegarde, who is from Saskatchewan and was attending a vigil in Ottawa Wednesday, said the inquiry doesn't have to be complete before changes are made.
"We are seeking immediate action, support and resources for those affected while the inquiry continues its important work," Bellegarde said in a news release.
Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron said the Crown made treaty promises to ensure the well-being of First Nations people.
"This day is an important reminder of that," he said.
Walks and vigils are taking place across Saskatchewan Wednesday.
The Saskatoon event, called the Sisters in Spirit Walk, was scheduled to take place at the Saskatoon Police Services building on 25th Street at 6 p.m. The Regina event was scheduled to start at the same time at the RCMP depot on Dewdney Avenue.