This week, a powerful and meaningful event is taking place in Sault Ste. Marie, as the community comes together to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). The 18th annual Memorial March is a significant occasion that aims to raise awareness about the disproportionately high numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2 Spirit individuals.
The march, which originated in 1992 in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, has become an important event across Canada, with communities gathering to demand concrete actions to eliminate systemic violence. This year’s event in Sault Ste. Marie will take place on Friday, February 14th, at noon, at the courthouse, where local Indigenous leaders will speak about the work being done in their communities to address this epidemic.
The event is a time to stand in solidarity with the families whose loved ones have gone missing and been murdered, and to demand concrete actions from all levels of government to prevent violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2 Spirit individuals. It’s also an opportunity to remember that we are all Treaty People and to reaffirm our collective commitment to stop colonialism from inflicting further wounds.
The Memorial March is a powerful reminder of the need for equitable funding for ongoing culture-based violence prevention programs, coordinated efforts, and wrap-around services that meet the needs of Indigenous Peoples. It’s a call to action for all of us to work together to create a safer and more just society for everyone.
In the lead-up to the event, community member volunteers have been tying ribbons on trees in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, reminding everyone of the interconnectedness amongst different peoples, beings, stages of life, and medicines. The public is also encouraged to hang red dresses, following the Red Dress Campaign, which aims to remember, honour, and grieve those who have passed on or who have gone missing.
The event is wheelchair accessible, and seats will be available for Elders at the site in front of the Courthouse. A round dance will also take place later that evening at the GFL from 7-10 PM, and everyone is welcome to attend.
This is a moment for us to come together, to listen, to learn, and to take action. Let us walk in solidarity with the families and communities affected by this epidemic, and let us demand concrete actions to eliminate systemic violence. We can make a difference, and we must. The time for change is now.