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Marching for justice: Voices unite for missing Indigenous women
On a vibrant Monday in downtown Kelowna, the air was filled with the rhythmic beating of drums and the passionate cries of hundreds advocating for the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
This annual event, marking the 15th anniversary of Red Dress Day, saw participants dressed in red march from the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society to the Kelowna Law Courts, symbolizing a collective call to action to bring the missing back home.
Systemic issues demand systemic solutions
As the march unfolded, Aaron St.Pierre, the executive director of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, emphasized the need for systemic change. “All levels of government have not done enough to address this,” he stated.
“There is still a widespread belief that these are one-off incidents, that they are localized, but the problem is really systemic.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the Indigenous community, where statistics reveal that Indigenous women and girls are six times more likely to be murdered than their non-Indigenous counterparts, according to Statistics Canada.
Personal stories fuel the fight for justice
Among the crowd was Stephanie Anaka, founder of the Positive Pathways for 60s Scoop Foundation. She shared her personal connection to the cause, stating, “Being here and having the representation as ’60s scoop survivors, I could have been a missing Indigenous woman.” Anaka’s words highlight the urgency of the situation, urging the government to listen to the voices of those affected.
“The government needs to understand why we are here, what has happened and have us come to the table and listen to us when we have suggestions,” she added, calling for a more inclusive dialogue.
Unity through music and culture
The atmosphere during the march was electric, with attendees like Autumn Pomber expressing the importance of cultural representation. “I think that’s very important. It sings to me, so today I sing with my people,” she said, embodying the spirit of unity and resilience. The sound of drums and the “Women’s Warrior Song” echoed through the streets, a powerful reminder of the strength found in community and culture. The marchers vowed to continue their fight for justice, ensuring that the voices of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls are never forgotten.
