This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information.
The National Union is encouraging it members and all Canadians to once again show their support and raise awareness of the national tragedy of murdered and missing Aboriginal women and girls.
Ottawa (8 Aug. 2013) - The eighth annual Sisters in Spirit Vigils will take place October 4, 2013 across Canada and internationally. The Vigils provide an opportunity for family members, concerned citizens and Aboriginal community members to gather to honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls, support the grieving families and provide opportunities for healing.
The Sisters in Spirit (SIS) is an initiative launched by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) to address the issue of the hundreds of Aboriginal women and girls who have either disappeared or have been found murdered in Canada over the past few decades.
Attend a SIS Vigil or host your own
NWAC is encouraging everyone to join with them in solidarity on October 4 by either attending a SIS Vigil or hosting your own. NWAC is offering free SIS Vigil kits to the first 200 registrants. The registrant kits include 25 SIS balloons and 50 SIS stickers along with paper materials and information. The vigils can take many forms including rallies, candle-light vigils, a moment of silence, balloon launch or a community feast.
Together we can demand action
“We would like to thank and applaud the efforts of all vigil organizers, supporters, and participants who plan and attend vigils throughout Canada and internationally,” said NWAC President Michèle Audette.
“Last year we had an unprecedented 175 vigils take place from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Thank you to the communities for successfully completing the ‘ground work’ and for organizing such wonderfully solemn and peaceful events that honour the lives of Aboriginal women and girls. Together we can demand action on a human rights issue that impacts us all!”
More information:
Native Women's Association of Canada
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE