This Sunday is the 20th Annual Sisters in Spirit March and Vigil to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQQIA People+ (MMIWG2S+).
The day of remembrance renews a shared commitment to justice, healing, and systemic change.
Lethbridge City Council permanently proclaimed Oct. 4 as Sisters in Spirit Day in 2021, underscoring the importance of honouring this national tragedy and the need for ongoing action.
Every year on Oct. 4, memorial vigils are held across Canada.
Everyone is invited to gather at Lethbridge City Hall starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by a memorial march at 6:45 p.m. to Galt Gardens.
A one-hour candlelight vigil will begin at 7 p.m. at the Galt Gardens pergola. Candles are provided, and warm beverages will be available.
Selena Medicine Shield said the event is important because families live with these losses everyday.
At the event, speakers will discuss statistics, reports, and families will share the actual stories behind those numbers.
“I’m actually one of those speakers,” Medicine Shield noted. “I will be speaking on behalf of my grandmother. I’ll be speaking with my mom.”
When people attend the event, Medicine Shield added, they should be able to better understand Oct. 4 isn’t just one day. “It’s a day where we continue to come together to remember and all the work that continues to go throughout the year.”
“I hope people take time to listen to families and learn about the realities Indigenous people continue to face. I hope they think about what they can do within their own communities, and people understand remembrance and action go together. That we can honour the people we’ve lost, while also working together toward a future — where other families don’t have to experience the same kind of loss,” Medicine Shield shared.
According to Medicine Shield, the day is also about community healing and continuing to advocate for change. “We’ll have family members speaking. Elders, singers, jingle dress dancers, and community members coming together throughout the evening. Everyone is welcome to come.”
Full event details are available at SistersInSpirit.ca.
