This violence must stop, starting with us’ – Sootoday.com

The 11th annual Memorial March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls happens February 14

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the public is invited to join the 11th annual Memorial March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls at the Sault Ste. Marie Courthouse, 426 Queen St. E. The inclusive event begins at noon with speeches, songs, and prayers in order to commemorate and call attention to the disproportionately high numbers of missing and murdered Indigenous women across Canada.

A news release issued about the march states that “the RCMP’s 2015 updated report, Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: A National Operational Overview, 1,017 Indigenous women have been murdered over the past 30 years. There are 174 Indigenous women who were missing, and 111 of those cases were under suspicious circumstances yet remain unsolved. Statistics Canada (2011) reported rates of violence against Indigenous women is three times higher than for non-Indigenous women, and seven times higher for homicide rates. The RCMP states these databases are incomplete and need more regular updating.”

From the Courthouse, participants will march along Queen Street East to The Summit (302 Queen St. E.) for a sharing circle facilitated by elder Dorothy Elie. Lunch will also be provided.

Read More: https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/this-violence-must-stop-starting-with-us-835644