For Immediate Release
Sept 24, 2019
Sisters in Spirit Vigil for Murdered and Missing Women and Girls.
First Light and The St. John’s Status of Women Council (SJSWC) have partnered for this year’s Sisters in Spirit Vigil for Missing and Murdered Women and Girls (formerly “In Her Name”). There will be various events and opportunities for healing and support during the week of Sept 30 leading up to the Sisters in Spirit Vigil which will take place on Oct. 4th.
Through multiple consultation sessions it was identified that although the previous In Her Name Vigil was an important event, there was a strong desire for additional opportunities to come together and receive support. A committee of community members, partners, staff and elders have redesigned the event. The week-long event will include smaller groups, opportunities to sit and reflect, a focus on loved ones’ lives, a quiet space to share stories with supports, and the incorporation of Indigenous ceremony.
As in previous years, all events are open to the public, but we are especially interested to connect with the families and friends of women who have been murdered or are missing in the province. If you are a family member of a missing or murdered woman, and you would like to participate in any aspect of the Sisters in Spirit events listed above, including speaking at the vigil, we are asking family members to please reach out to Michelle at First Light, or Laura at SJSWC (contacts below).
This week is happening with the support of other partners, including the Aboriginal Community Liaison at Correctional Services Canada, Memorial University Aboriginal Resource Office as well as members of the local community. We look forward to sharing this renewed event incorporating a strong sense of Indigenous ceremony and tradition with all those in attendance.
Please find the schedule for the week on First Light and SJSOWC social media.
For Further Information Contact:
Laura Winters
Executive Director: SJSOWC
Tel: 765-4434 or 753-0220
Email: laura@sjwomenscentre.ca
Michelle Corbett
Cultural Support Team Coordinator: First Light
Tel: 726-5902
Email: michelle@firstlightnl.ca
