Joint Statement For Supporters of the 5th Annual Sisters In Spirit October 4th Vigil

Wednesday September 22, 2010

To be read nationwide on October 4th 2010 as part of the movement of Sisters In Spirit vigils.

Aboriginal women and girls are facing the most pervasive human rights crisis in Canada today. The profound impact of violence experienced by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada has created a national tragedy. The disappearance and murder of our Aboriginal sisters is felt nationwide. Countless First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and communities are not only grappling with the loss of a loved one but are also questioning why more is not being done to address this serious human rights issue.We are speaking out, as individuals and organizations, because we believe this violence is of urgent concern to everyone in Canada. More than that, this concern must lead to action—if left unchecked not only will this remain a human rights violation but it will heavily impact future generations of Canadians. Therefore, we are looking for a commitment from all Canadians that systemic forms of violence and indifference to the lives and wellbeing of Aboriginal women and girls must end. In particular the safety of Aboriginal sisters, daughters, mothers and grandmothers must be a priority.

October 4th is a day to honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. The Sisters In Spirit Vigil movement for social change began with the courage, strength and love of families who suffered the loss of a sister, daughter, mother, grandmother or friend. As of March 31st 2010 NWAC has found 582 cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. As Canadians we should ask ourselves why so many of our Aboriginal sisters are treated as a statistic. 2010 is the fifth year of the Vigil movement; let’s make 2010 the year Canadians finally take concrete action to defend the lives of Aboriginal women and girls.

To read full statement see attached PDF