The Native Women’s Association of Canada, NWAC, initiated a movement which has become a grassroots response to the harsh reality of the thousands of Indigenous women who have been stolen from their families and communities. “October 4th is a day where we honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. The violence experienced by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy. We must take the time to give thanks to the families who are our reason we all continue to demand action.” (www.nwac.ca)

There were at least 16 vigils or walks registered in Alberta with NWAC and many more across the country. Two of the vigils took place in Edmonton, one on October 1 at the Legislature grounds, and the other October 4 at City Hall. The rain poured on those who gathered on October 1, causing some to remark that the rain was a symbol of the multitude of tears that have been shed. Rhonda Spence, Master of Ceremonies, called the rain a blessing and sign of spiritual cleansing.

Juanita Murphy, a CEASE Advocate, described the trauma that impacts surviving family members and that support must be made available. This includes trauma counseling and poverty relief, along with support during the complex court processes when a murderer has been identified. Families and community whose loved ones are missing live with daily anguish, always wondering if their loved one is alive or dead, and who stole them. They long for the person to return, or, to have the death confirmed. Their lives are often in the public spotlight, which adds another layer to their grief.

Those who gathered were also invited to participate the next day in the “Healing the Streets” awareness event. Indigenous Men Against Violence Against Indigenous Women, organized by Damian Canuck Abrahams, who said, “Smudging is an act of healing. We will be smudging the areas of 118 Avenue, 97 Street, and 95 Street on Sunday, 2 October 2016 to heal the trauma and violence women experience in the streets of Edmonton.”

Every time people gather, every time people walk, smudge, light candles, drum, dance and speak, those who have been stolen are remembered. The community of concern across the nation is emboldened to work for social justice changes that will end the anguish of this national tragedy.

Kate Quinn is the Executive Director of the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation (CEASE).