For about a decade, the Sisters in Spirit walk has passed through our community, raising awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the region and around the country.
Families, friends and strangers walk through our streets, carrying signs with faces and names that can no longer step with us.
This is not just raising awareness about something that is happening elsewhere. Indigenous women are not only harmed in cities and provinces far away.
It’s happening here.
They are killed in our backyards, like Joelle Cardinal.
They go missing after being seen last at the Grand Union Hotel, like Ruth Cocks.
Sometimes the difference in treatment by media and police is obvious. It is apparent in an RCMP press release that comes out months after a woman disappears, as in the case of Gloria Gladue.
Other times, the racism is more subtle. It’s in comments you hear around the dinner table, at work or at the arena.
This newspaper, along with many other media outlets around the country, is not innocent. The Athabasca Advocate is guilty of missing stories that relate to missing and murdered Indigenous women, or not giving them the same space as others. For that, we are eternally sorry.
The Sisters in Spirit walk is one thing a person can do to bring awareness to the issue and support the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones.
On Oct. 4 starting at 5 p.m., the walk is scheduled to go from the Athabasca Seniors Drop-In Centre to the riverfront and back. After the walk, there will be a meal and guest speakers at the seniors centre.
Be there. Show your support.
Make the statement that missing and murdered Indigenous women will not be ignored or forgotten.
