Attendance at P.E.I. Sisters in Spirit Vigil growing
Gail Harding | CBC News | Posted: September 25, 2016 1:00 PM | Last Updated: September 25, 2016
Annual event to be held Oct. 4
As the date for the annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil in Charlottetown approaches, Judy Clark, president of the Aboriginal Womens Association of PEI says she can remember when the first few were held and very few attended.
"When we started out, it was just our board members and some of our family members of the women in our communities," she said adding the event was held rain or shine.
Clark said it was through those vigils they found out many were affected by the stories of the missing and murdered Aboriginal women across Canada.
"We started off just having small numbers," she said, with the vigils being held in Charlottetown and Summerside in alternate years
"It was so amazing when Summerside opened the streets and we were able to walk down the street."
Clark said attendance at the vigils has grown.
"It's a time for us to reflect on the families, with the families and to remember. Our sisters are missing or were murdered and we're there to support."
Clark said they remember the victims by lighting candles and share stories, if people are willing.
She added while P.E.I. may be a small place and people wouldn't think anyone would be affected by the missing and murdered women, she said that is not the case.
Clark said now that the inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women is going to happen the vigil is even more important.
"We have a voice now for our family members to support them."
The Sisters in Spirit Vigil will be held Oct. 4 at the Confederation Landing Park in Charlottetown from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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