National Vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

October 5, 2015

The event began with a march at St. Paul’s Eastern United Church and ended at the Parliament Hill with a solemn vigil. Family members recounted personal stories of love and heartbreaking loss while supporters held up candles.

October 4th is dedicated to honouring the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and to 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 SIS vigils have become a movement for social change and a reminder that our sisters will not be forgotten.

Last month President Chartier wrote to the presidents of the federal political parties with a series of questions on Métis Nation issues including if the parties will support a National inquiry into Missing and Murdered Aboriginal women and girls. The Liberals, NDP and Green Party responded that they will immediately launch a national public inquiry and fight to ensure that structural violence against indigenous communities is addressed. The Conservatives have not responded to date

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