2013 sis vigil joint statement
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7/27/2019 2013 SIS Vigil Joint Statement
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To add your support to this Joint Statement please contact Sarah MacLean at 1-800-461-4043 ext 251 or [email protected]
2013 Joint Statement
To be read nationwide as part of
October 4th
Sisters In Spirit VigilsA Movement for Social Change
October 4th
is a day for honouring and a day for healing. For years, families and communities
have called attention to the high numbers of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls
in Canada. In response and in support, NWAC documented nearly 600 known cases of this
extreme form of violence and published their findings to both educate and promote dialogue.The tracking of these occurrences continues today and we are grateful that many other
organizations and individuals continue to raise awareness. Together, we are working towards a
common goal to address this injustice.
Momentum is building. First Nations, Mtis and Inuit peoples are rising up and embracing their
own forms of expression and their own calls for action. One year ago, for example, NWAC
launched a petition calling for a National Public Inquiry. Completed forms have arrived each
day, filled with signatures as well as messages of solidarity. More than 10,000 signatures have
been collected and the petitions will be submitted to the Federal Government on October 18th
2013 as part of a National Day of Action. An inquiry would be a crucial step in implementing acomprehensive and coordinated national action plan. As our organizations have repeatedly
urged, such a response is necessary to address the scale and severity of violence faced by
Aboriginal women and girls. Together, we must demand action and secure commitments from
all levels of government.
Today, our words echo a shared message: First Nations, Mtis and Inuit women are loved and
valued! October 4th
is dedicated to honouring the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal
women and girls and support families who have been tragically touched by the loss of a loved
one to violence. Vigils take many forms: a rally, a candlelight vigil, a workshop, a moment of
silence, a walk, or a gathering of people to share memories and a meal. Together, the October
4th SIS vigils have become a movement for social change and a reminder that our sisters will notbe forgotten.
In 2012, communities and organizations united to surpass the 100 vigil mark, in total 175 vigils
were held across the globe. More than 100 cities and communities are celebrating again on
October 4th
today in 2013! No other event in Canada brings so many communities and Canadian
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7/27/2019 2013 SIS Vigil Joint Statement
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To add your support to this Joint Statement please contact Sarah MacLean at 1-800-461-4043 ext 251 or [email protected]
citizens together to specifically celebrate, honour and support Aboriginal women and girls.
Together, we can demand action on this Canadian human rights issue that impacts us all.
We are calling on all levels of government to work with Aboriginal women and representative
organizations, including the Native Womens Association of Canada who is a leader in this field
of research and advocacy.
In closing, we express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the families. Many are here today
and we thank them for sharing their stories. You are the reason we continue to demand action.
We are honoured to walk beside you on this journey!
Moreover, we acknowledge that families and communities must take the lead in this movement.
Their stories need to be heard, and their initiatives supported. Relationships must be nurtured
and further strengthened with other families, as well as with grassroots women and men,
organizations, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities across Turtle Island.
This Joint Statement is supported by the National Sisters In Spirit Vigil Committee members:
Amnesty International Canada
Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), Aboriginal Caucus
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
Native Womens Association of Canada (NWAC)
National Association of Friendship Centre (NAFC)
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