The Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) and Waypoints have partnered up to put on a Sisters in Spirit Vigil that is being hosted by the Métis Local 1935 to honour the Missing and Murder Indigenous Women (MMIW) in Canada.
Melissa Herman, with the ATC told MyMcMurray that they are standing in solidarity with the Native Women’s Association of Canada by holding one of the vigil for MMIW in Fort McMurray.
“There are well over 1000 missing women as of right now in the country and just from the regional municipality alone there are six missing women,” said Herman.
Elaine Alook, Amber Tuccaro, Shirley Waquan, Janice Desjarlais, Shelley Tanis Dene, and Betty Anne Deltess have all been reported missing from the region.
The vigil will be a time to rally in support for the families of the missing women.
“This is the time and place to come together and talk about really hard things and search for justice and peace,” said Herman, “I welcome everyone to come.”
There will be mental health resources from Waypoints and Alberta Health Services, speakers and discussions.
The vigil will take place on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018 on the Métis Local 1935 grounds at 441 Sakitawaw Trail from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
There is also a Facebook group to support MMIW in the region.
