Violence in communities addressed at Sisters in Spirit vigil

By Marci Becking

NORTH BAY – While people gathered to honour the over 1200 murdered and missing indigenous women in Canada on Oct.3 at the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre, no one could ignore the slide show of the many faces of women attached to that huge number.

Anishinabek Nation Deputy Grand Council Chief Glen Hare spoke passionately at the Sisters in Spirit vigil about the violence against women in this country.

“I believe that the Canadian government is trying to get rid of us,” said the Deputy Grand Council Chief Hare who was referring to the years of genocide from Indian Residential Schools, education and health policies and the refusal of the Harper government to launch an inquiry into the murdered and missing indigenous women.  “How many of our children and women have to die?

Union of Ontario Indians Social Services Director Adrienne Pelletier said that we can’t ignore the violence in our communities.

“We have to address the systemic issues and unhealthy relationships,” said Pelletier.  “I encourage all women to get healing from the trauma – access healing from shelters, friendship centres, seek help from churches or a Midewiwin lodge – whatever works for you.  We all need to heal.”

Pelletier encourages everyone to sign online petitions for an inquiry and for everyone to write to their MPs.

Part of the vigil included watching NDP MP Romeo Saganash speak in the House of Commons about an inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women.  He spoke about the closure needed for indigenous families in Canada to heal.

“If only we could have more politicians speaking for us like Saganash,” said Hare.  “For a politician to speak about his feelings, from his heart – I want to shake that man’s hand.”