A national movement to honour lost sisters and their families takes place this weekend.
For years, the Sisters in Spirit vigils have united people in its call for action on the tragedy of Canada’s missing and murdered aboriginal women.
Prince Albert held its vigil on Friday afternoon at the Indian and Metis Friendship Centre.
Rhoda Peekeekoot, who works with victims of violence, has lost family members to violence and wants more people to know the reality.
“What we’re trying to do is be heard, like, look, this is what’s happening to our women, this is what’s happening to our children, this is what’s happening to men,” Peekeekoot said.
She shared the story of one woman she meets with whose son has been missing for years, who mainly looks for someone to speak with about what she’s going through.
The unanswered questions are something that many struggle with, Peeekeekoot said.
“We can never really finalize a person when that person’s gone missing because we don’t know,” she said.
Since 2010, Peekeekoot has read an original piece of writing, aloud, to people at the vigil. It expresses the importance of her culture, and the sadness of losing those teachings.
Peekeekoot lost a nephew in a violent attack several years ago, and said her family and home reserve is still coming to terms with its effects.
The official date for the Sisters in Spirit Candlelight Vigil is October 4.
Saskatoon will participate that day, as will Regina.
Regina will host a pipe ceremony and round dance.
The Sisters in Spirit initiative grew from the Native Women’s Association of Canada, and has done research on the issue of murdered and missing aboriginal women.
For more information, go to the Sisters in Spirit website here:
Full list of other events in Saskatchewan happening on Oct. 4
Saskatoon – Iskwewuk Ewichiwitochik (Women Walking Together) – March, speakers, light refreshments at 1120 20th Street West “Station20West” on October 4th from 3:30 to 6:30 pm
Onion Lake – Onion Lake Iskwewak Pasikowak – We walk from Chief Taylor to Community Hall and we release balloons then have candle vigil. Then we have lunch and have a sharing circle at Chief Taylor on October 4th at 3 pm.
La Ronge – Piwapan Women’s Centre – Walk from Lac La Ronge Band Office to Urban Rez. Chili and bannock afterwards at the Lac La Ronge Band Office on October 4th at 1 pm.
Yorkton – Saskatchewan Aboriginal Women’s Circle Corp. – Meet at 93 Broadway St. W. (Library) and walk to City Centre Park for Rally & speeches. Food and refreshments to follow at the Western Financial City Centre Park in Yorkton on October 4th at 2 pm.