Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil 2024: Honouring MMIWG

Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil 2024: Honouring MMIWG

Thunder Bay, ON – On October 4, 2024, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) invites all people across Ontario to embrace connection, community, and change to raise awareness and to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and their families.

The first Sisters in Spirit vigil was held on October 4, 2006, in Ottawa, Ontario. The movement has since grown from a small vigil on Parliament Hill to various styles of events held across the country and around the globe. The Sisters in Spirit Vigil continues to be a beacon of hope, remembrance, and advocacy, standing strong in the face of continued injustices. We come together to honour those we have lost, as well as the families and communities still impacted by these tragedies.

ONWA invites you to join us for our Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil. This day is dedicated to honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), while calling attention to the urgent need for action to address violence against Indigenous women. Indigenous women are not safe and have to negotiate their safety everyday. The rate of violence against Indigenous women is not acceptable.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, October 4, 2024
• Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm EST
• Location: 380 Ray Blvd., Thunder Bay, ON
• Activities include: Red Dress Wall, Safety Planning, drumming, crafting, and Bannock and Tea.
• Participants are encouraged to bring photos of their loved ones and hand drums.
• For more information: Michelle McGuire, mmcguire@onwa.ca

Learn more and take action:

• ONWA MMIWG Resources: https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-mmiwg
• ONWA Report: “Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of MMIWG” https://onwa.ca/reports/reconciliation-with-indigenous-women

For those needing support, the 24-hour Talk4Healing Helpline is available at 1-855-554-HEAL (4325).

For more information and media inquiries, contact: 
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca

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