Sisters in Spirit Canada
Sisters in Spirit is a poignant and vital program initiated by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and funded by Status of Women Canada. Launched in 2005, this initiative seeks to research and document the harrowing violence experienced by Indigenous women in Canada, shining a light on their stories and advocating for justice.
Why Sisters in Spirit?
Over the past two decades, more than 1,000 Indigenous women have gone missing or been murdered in Canada, with many of these cases remaining unsolved. The term “Sisters in Spirit” honors these women, who live on in the hearts and memories of their loved ones.
What to expect
Every year on October 4, communities across Canada come together to remember the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Events such as talks, marches, and vigils are held nationwide to raise awareness and urge government action. These gatherings demand that the government address the systemic causes of this violence and injustice and ensure justice for the victims.
Indigenous communities, including the Wolastoqiyik Sisters in Spirit, host various activities such as blanket exercises, self-defence and yoga workshops, poetry slams, vigils, and sweat lodge ceremonies. These events provide spaces for spiritual cleansing and healing, fostering a sense of community and resilience.
The violence against Indigenous women is deeply rooted in systemic racism and misogyny. We all have a role to play in breaking these patterns and advocating for change. This begins in our homes by educating the younger generation about acceptance, equality, and human rights. Sisters in Spirit hopes that these vigils will mark the beginning of the end of these painful cycles. Let us honour those we have lost by striving for a better future.
You may also reach out to local indigenous centers to find out more on how you can join this year’s Sisters in Spirit Day.
References:
https://www.kairoscanada.org/tag/sisters-in-spirit
https://fsismmiw.wordpress.com/
https://www.ailethbridge.com/events/sisters-in-spirit-2021
https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/calgarians-to-rally-march-for-sisters-in-spirit-on-tuesday-1.6092732