Curve Lake First Nation screens ‘Our Sisters In Spirit’
By Donavan Taylor
On Tuesday December 15th, 2015 a documentary film screening of “Our Sisters In Spirit” took place in Curve Lake First Nation to raise awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The Supporters of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is a volunteer group that worked hard to raise awareness for our MMIWG and organize the event in the months leading up to the screening.
The “Our Sisters In Spirit” film was created by Nick Printup and a group of students from Niagara College. The film seeks to explore the questions of a national inquiry into Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The film won for Best Documentary and Best Cinematography at Niagara College’s Film, Radio and Television Awards.
The event started off with the lighting of the sacred fire at 4:00 pm. The fire was to honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and to help with healing for families and communities affected by this national crisis.
Before the screening took place there was an unveiling of the MMIWG eagle staff, followed by a pipe ceremony done by elder Merritt Taylor. Elder Mary Taylor sang an honour song and the Fire Keeper Denell Taylor tended to the fire and watch the eagle staffs (MMIWG & Veterans). There was a blessing of the food and a spirit plate was offered to the fire, then screening took place at the community centre.
Gladys Radek was the guest speaker following the screening of “Our Sisters In Spirit.” Radek is a founder of Tears 4 Justice, which is a grassroots volunteer based group who raises awareness of the Missing and Murdered Women and Children across Canada.
A teaching on respecting our women was be done by elder Winston Taylor, and a water ceremony was be done by elder Dorothy Taylor to close the event.
Donations and fundraising efforts took place during the event and raised $525.85. Proceeds will go to MMIWG volunteer groups who help families who have been directly affected by this serious issue, and volunteer groups who are raising awareness of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls across Canada.