Sisters in Spirit National Day of Vigils – October 4, 2015

To Remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

This year marks the 10th annual Sisters In Spirit (SIS) vigils, which are held to raise awareness and demand action for missing and murdered First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and girls. OSSTF/FEESO, the Canadian Labour Congress, the Ontario Federation of Labour, affiliates and federations of labour have been consistent supporters of the campaign. Vigils are being organized throughout communities across the country on October 4th, 2015.

On October 4 across Canada, families of missing and murdered Aboriginal women are being joined by supporters from all walks of life to honour the lives of sisters, daughters, mothers and grandmothers tragically taken from us – and to demand action. Along with a wide range of indigenous peoples’ organizations, human rights’ groups, labour unions and faith communities continue the call for a comprehensive national action plan to stop violence against women. The Ontario Federation of Labour is proud to be part of this movement.

The statistics on missing and murdered indigenous women are stark and staggering. The RCMP has recorded 1,181 incidents of missing and murdered Aboriginal women but it is suspected that the actual number is much higher. The emotional and psychological impact to the victims, their loved ones and their communities is devastating.

A 2015 United Nations report found that young Aboriginal women are five times more likely to die under violent circumstances as compared with their non–Aboriginal women. It also reported that indigenous women report rates of violence 3.5 times higher than non-Aboriginal women. The UN report called for a national inquiry, a request which was rejected by Prime Minister Stephen Harper. In fact, in a CBC interview, he stated this critical issue “was not on his radar”.

OSSTF/FEESO members are encouraged to participate in any Vigil events planned for October 4.

Related Links

• Every October 4th – Sisters in Spirit Vigil http://www.october4th.ca
• Native Women’s Association of Canada – Vigil Media Release http://www.nwac.ca/2015/09/october-4th-vigils/

Related Attachments

• Ontario Federation of Labour – Sisters in Spirit Vigils Statement and Locations sisters-in-spirit-vigils-statement-locations.pdf

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