AU Students Bring Sisters in Spirit Campaign to Sault

News Release for SooNews.ca
Saturday, September 12, 2009, 12:33PM

It is estimated that over 500 aboriginal women have been murdered or gone missing in violent circumstances in Canada in the past 20 years.

In response to this crisis, October 4 has been declared a National Day of Action to stop violence against Aboriginal women. In over 40 communities across Canada, vigils will be held to direct attention to the growing crisis of violence against Aboriginal women.

The Algoma University Student's Union (AUSU), in partnership with diverse community organizations, will host a series of events throughout the city to commemorate this day.

Our local series of events begins with the annual 'Take Back the Night' event on September 17, walking at 6:30 from Phoenix Rising (Albert St. E.) to the Roberta Bondar Pavilion.

All are welcome for free food and drinks, drumming and ceremony, and activities for kids. This event is hosted by Womyn 4 Social Justice.

AUSU and the local Cinema Politica chapter will present the film 'Stolen Sisters' at Arcadia Coffeehouse (823 Queen St. E.) on September 25 at 8 pm.

This film, exploring cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada, has been widely screened throughout the country. Admission is by donation.

In partnership with the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student's Association, AUSU will host a sacred fire ceremony and feast on October 5 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Algoma University Arbour.

This gathering will be held in solidarity with all women who have been victimized by violence, as well as their families. Donations and food contributions will be accepted.

Founded by the Native Women's Association, Sisters in Spirit is an initiative is to address violence against Aboriginal (First Nations Inuit and Métis) women, particularly racialized and/or sexualized violence, that is, violence perpetrated against Aboriginal women because of their gender and Aboriginal identity.

This program includes research, education, and policy, designed to increase public understanding and knowledge at a national level of the impact of racialized, sexualized violence against Aboriginal women often leading to their disappearance and death.

MORE NEWS

Day Three – Finn Grand Fest ESSAR Steel Issues Statement On Local 2724 Vote Strike Averted Local 2724 Votes In Favour Of Deal U.S. Bound Traffic Expect Long Waits at the Border Don't Try This At Home Driver Killed In Highway Accident I Don’t Make Promises Tomorrow for Today Community Night On The Island Happy Faces 12-Year-Old Girl Injured on 'Free Fall' Ride $50 Million Jackpot Still Not Won! - 7 New Millionaires In Ontario! Sault Minor Football Champions Crowned Jackson Doubles Up at Kinross Speedpark Lorena Tridico Found Not Guilty On Appeal Longer Wait Times Possible for Non-Urgent Cases Archives

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS