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Support and healing are central to Sisters in Spirit Vigils - October 4

Vigils are held annually on October 4 as a way to offer support to families who have lost loved ones and create opportunities for healing. To date, 103 vigils across Canada have been registered for this year’s vigil. 

Ottawa (04 Oct. 2017) —  Right now, in Canada, Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people face a national epidemic of violence.  

The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) initiated these events to raise awareness of the violence and discrimination Indigenous women and girls face. This is the 12th year, the NWAC has held vigils, and the movement keeps growing. In 2016, over 96 communities held Sisters in Spirit Vigils to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Vigils are held annually on October 4 as a way to offer support to families who have lost loved ones and create opportunities for healing. To date, 103 vigils across Canada have been registered for this year.

As in previous years, family members, concerned citizens and Aboriginal community members gather on Parliament Hill to show support for those impacted by violence. the NWAC says, "We gather to show we are a united front. We gather to shed light on a crisis that affects every Canadian. We gather to pressure all levels of government to act, and act now!"

Sisters in Spirit Vigils help educate the public on the issues and rally supporters to compel a government response

The Native Women’s Association of Canada encourages all types of events on and around October 4 including rallies, marches, moments of silence or candlelight vigils. 

If you are interested in holding a vigil, including the registration form, information can be found on the NWAC’s website. The NWAC Community Resource Guide contains useful tools for getting involved and making your SIS vigil a success.

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is proud to continue its support for the Native Women’s Association of Canada and the Sisters in Spirit initiative.