Photo: Alana Ross, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women speaking at the MMIWG2S Sisters in Spirit Memorial at Prince Albert River Bank
Today the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC) is holding their annual “Honouring our sisters, brothers, and 2SLGBTQ+ annual memorial walk” starting at the MMIWG2S Sisters In Spirit Memorial at the river bank.
This morning’s first part of the event started with prayers and a smudge, the sound of the drum welcomed guest to the river bank, and presentations from PAGC executives, FSIN Youth Chief Serenity Gamble, City of Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky, PAGC Women’s Commission, along with a presentation from the Prince Albert City Police.
“There are still many Calls to Action and Calls for Justice that need to be completed. Right now, I believe only about 94 have been addressed, so there’s still a lot of work to do within the AFN and FSIN but when we all work together, it can make a real difference — especially when youth are involved. I’m only 21 years old, and I’ve been doing this work since I was 19. It definitely doesn’t get easier, but it’s important work,” said Serenity Gamble, FSIN Youth Council Chief-Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation.
Serenity Gamble, Youth Chief (Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation) of the FSIN Youth Council
The walk is to honour the lives of First Nations sisters, brothers, and 2SLGBTQ+ who have gone missing and those lives that have been lost to violence.
The walk will start at the Sisters in spirt memorial and end up at Kinsmen Park.
There will be more presentations at Kinsmen park from the loved ones of MMIWG2S+ after the walk.
PA City Mayor Bill Powalinsky
“I know the intimate partner violence statistics are staggering. We need to go upstream to help break those cycles. We need to provide support not only for victims, but also for abusers, so they can change the way they live. We also need to support people who are grieving. For many of us, when we lose someone, we’re able to say goodbye and find closure. I can’t imagine what it’s like for those who never had that opportunity,” said City of Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powlinsky.
