‘Show our women respect’ says Hare

October 23, 2013

Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare leads the Sisters in Spirit walk between the North Bay courthouse and the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre on Oct. 4. – Photo by Priscilla Goulais

By Marci Becking

NORTH BAY – Sisters in Spirit vigils to remember murdered and missing Aboriginal women and girls were held across Canada on Oct. 4.

One of these vigils, hosted by the Union of Ontario Indians Social Services department and the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre, was held at the NBIFC.

Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare said that all women and girls are sacred beings.

“We must show them the utmost respect,” said Hare. “I encourage all of you to educate your family, friends and colleagues on the issue of violence against women and girls.”

There are over 600 missing and murdered Aboriginal in Canada and over 200 Sisters in Spirit vigils were staged on Oct. 4.

The event featured a proclamation read by North Bay Mayor Al McDonald.

“No other event in Canada brings so many communities and Canadian citizens together to specifically celebrate honour and support Aboriginal women and girls. It is acknowledged that families and communities must take the lead in this movement. We must all take on the challenge of educating our families and communities to show respect and honour to all women and girls. Relationships must be nurtured and further strengthened with our families, as well with grassroots women and men, organizations, and Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.”

Over 70 cases in the Native Women’s Association of Canada’s independent database involve Aboriginal women from communities in Ontario. In June 2013, First Nation leaders in Ontario unanimously approved a Declaration to work together to end violence and the First Nations Women’s Caucus is focused on advocating for the establishment of a national inquiry on murdered and missing Aboriginal women.

On September 19, 2013, Canada rejected recommendations from the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish a national public inquiry and a national plan of action on the situation of murdered and missing Aboriginal women. The Native Women’s Association of Canada, along with First Nations across the country, have called for a national public inquiry in an effort to stop the violence and prevent future violence. There is widespread support from organizations across Canada for the establishment of a national public inquiry on this issue, including from provincial Premiers at their July 2013 Council of the Federation meeting.