Vigil remembers Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

By Lethbridge Herald on October 4, 2024.

Members of the Blackfoot Stand Up Headdress Society follow the banner holders as members and allies of the Indigenous community arrive at Galt Gardens on Friday evening to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Herald photo by Alexandra Noad

Alexandra Noad – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Members of the Indigenous community and their allies took to the streets of downtown on Friday evening to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women at the 18th annual Sisters in Spirit march and vigil.

The march began at City Hall led by the Blackfoot Stand Up Headdress Society and ended at Galt Gardens where candles were lit to honour Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQ people who have been murdered or are currently missing.

October 4 is known as National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQ people. A day where over 100 memorial vigils are held across Canada to honour the lives as well as support those who are grieving.

During the vigil Stephanie English shared the story of her daughter who died in June of 2016, leaving behind three children.

English says after the loss of her daughter she has had to find her voice to speak out against the crimes committed against her daughter and continue to be committed against Indigenous women.

“I have to learn how to live all over again. I have to learn how to speak for myself, for my children and now for my grandchildren.”

English experience with her daughter is not a rare occurrence for Indigenous people.

According to an article by the Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada written on June 3, 2024, Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-divers people are 12 times more likely to go missing.

Through pictures, speeches and vigils it was made clear Indigenous people are tired of being treated as less than human.

“Women darker than a paper bag are often looked down upon like they don’t matter. Tonight, you say they matter. Tonight, all women are sacred. Tonight, all women matter,” said a member of the Headdress Society.

The event was organized by the Lethbridge Sisters in Spirit, an organization who dedicates their time and efforts to bring awareness to the injustices Indigenous women face.

According to their Facebook page the opportunity to show solidarity with the families who have inspired the Sisters in Spirit movement and honour the lives lost are the reason they continue to demand action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

More information about Sisters in Spirit can be found on the Lethbridge Sisters in Spirit Facebook page.