In order to honour the spirit and memory of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ who have been lost to violence, the 16th annual Stolen Sisters Memorial March will take place in Victoria this weekend.
Not only is this event held to honour those who have been lost to violence, but it is also meant to uplift survivors and family members of the missing and murdered loved ones.
“The march serves as a space for Indigenous communities and allies to come together, grieve, and show support for one another in community solidarity,” wrote the organizers in a media release.
The organizers ask that allies who attend consider that this movement and march is a serious commitment to honouring the lost Indigenous women, children and gender diverse individuals while recognizing that this is also an experience of Indigenous men and boys.
This march is about sincere dedication to ending violence, healing relationships and fostering respect.
The organizers have created a pledge for allies wishing to attend, asking that they:
- Respect Indigenous teachings
- Commit to ending violence towards Indigenous Peoples
- Participate in meaningful healing and reconciliation
- Ensure their presence is for support and not overshadowing
- Take responsibility for past actions
- Commit to fostering community through compassion at the march
“We pay honour to our relatives lives and their stories we move forward to end gender-based violence,” said the organizers of the march.
“We are resilient, and self determined together indigenous people and allies will make communities safe for all, as we work together to end gender based violence and genocide.”
The march will take place at 11:45 a.m. this Sunday, February 16th, beginning at Centennial Square in downtown Victoria.
