For Immediate Release
September 28, 2017
In Her Name Vigil Gives Space for Healing; Encourages Action
St. John’s, NL – Organizers of the upcoming In Her Name Vigil are issuing a renewed call for action against domestic violence as they plan to come together in remembrance.
The annual vigil will take place at a new location this year, outside the Colonial Building, on Wednesday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. The names of the more than 100 missing and murdered women and girls of Newfoundland and Labrador will be read aloud to be remembered and honoured.
Jenny Wright, Executive Director of the St. John’s Status of Women Council:
“As a province, as a people, we can no longer remain silent about the incredibly high levels of intimate partner violence occurring in our homes, on our streets and in the workplace. Each year the Vigil allows us to come together as a community, to remember and honour the women who have died at the hands of men, to grieve and then to act together to end violence against women.”
For the first time, a Healing Circle for family members will precede the Vigil. Cultural support workers will be joined by an interfaith team at the Bannerman Park gazebo at 5:00p.m. We respectfully ask that the media do not attend this portion of the evening.
Amelia Reimer, Cultural Support Coordinator of the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre:
“We have seen over the past few years that family members find this event both comforting/healing and painful. As an added support to family members, we have decided to offer a First Nations-style Healing Circle this year. This is open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, and will be conducted by Jenelle Duval (Mi’kmaw) and Amelia Reimer (Métis). We will wrap our arms around the community in love and support.”
The Vigil will go ahead rain or shine and all are welcome. Individuals or groups who wish to volunteer at the event or to read a name are invited to contact Amelia Reimer at amelia@sjnfc.com.
The In Her Name Vigil for missing and murdered women and girls of Newfoundland and Labrador is a collaboration of the St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre, St. John’s Native Friendship Centre, Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, and Violence Prevention – Avalon East.
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Media Contacts
Jenny Wright
Executive Director
St. John’s Status of Women Council/
Women’s Centre
Amelia Reimer
Cultural Support Coordinator
St. John’s Native Friendship Centre
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