Each year, Sisters in Spirit Day is recognized in Alberta on October 4 to honor the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, their families, loved ones and communities.
Vigils and community events are organized and held across Canada, often including a ceremony and walk-in commemoration.
On August 17th 2023 Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, announced the appointment of Josie Nepinak as President of the Board of Directors and mentions some of the events happening across Treaty 6, 7 and 8.
Nepinak encourages all Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to visit their local Sisters in Spirit event and take some time to remember those who were lost and those effected by these tragedies as well.
She continues by saying October 4th is a great way to remember and raise awareness but this is something that needs to be focused on every day of the year.
Here’s a look at some of the events happening across the province:
Sisters in Spirit Event Edmonton
Date: Wednesday, October 4
Time: 6 to 8 pm
Location: Edmonton City Hall (1 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton)
Host: Esquao, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women
Description: The event will feature prayer, remarks from family members and Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, and cultural performances.
Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society 20th Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil Calgary
Date: Wednesday, October 4
Time: 11:30 am (Peaceful March and rally); noon (official ceremony)
Location: The peace march and rally are beginning between Stephen Avenue, 8th Avenue SW and The Bay, and ending at Olympic Plaza.
Host: Awo Taan Healing Lodge
Description: This peaceful march, rally and official ceremony are being held to honor and raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two Spirit Plus peoples across Canada.
Sisters in Spirit Walk and Candlelight Vigil Grande Prairie
Date: Wednesday, October 4
Time: 5:30 pm (walk); 6:30 pm (dinner); candlelight vigil to follow
Location: Sisters in Spirit Rock at Northwestern Polytechnic, walking to the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre (10513-98 Avenue)
Host: Grande Prairie Friendship Centre
Description: An annual walk to honor the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people, support grieving families, and create opportunities for healing. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue, and to bring a drum and rattle.
Sisters in Spirit Vigil Lethbridge
Date: Wednesday, October 4
Time: 6:30 to 8 pm
Location: City Hall, walking to Galt Gardens (3rd Avenue & 5th Street South)
Host: Amnesty International
Description: Participants will gather at city hall and then march to Galt Gardens via 4th Avenue and 7th Street South, where the vigil will take place. Candles and beverages will be available at Galt Gardens.
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