LETHBRIDGE – There was a sombre march through the quiet streets of Lethbridge Sunday evening at the 9th annual Sisters in Spirit vigil, drawing attention to an important issue.
A handful of red dresses hung empty in the trees to symbolize the estimated 1,200 missing and murdered indigenous women (MMIW) in Canada over the past 35 years.
READ MORE: Red dress campaign looks to raise awareness about missing, murdered indigenous women
Hundreds marched to the beat of a drum, walking with signs and posters of loved ones from City Hall, down 4 Avenue South, and continuing to Galt Gardens.
A vocal supporter for action and answers surrounding MMIW, Lauren Crazybull, said it’s about supporting those around the community.
Candles lit up aboriginal and non-aboriginal faces alike. Although not everyone has been affected directly, the turnout showed the community is rallying together for a better future.
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“I think it’s that unity, having us together working as one makes sure that we have that harmony, and we can deal with a lot of the issues that are ahead of us,” said organizer LeeAnne Sharp Adze.
Among the attendees were city officials, federal election candidates, Alberta’s Minister for the Status of Women Shannon Phillips, and families of women lost, all calling for action.
Laurie English-Winters, whose daughter Clarissa and son Dakota were murdered last April in Lethbridge, gave a speech about remembering those who have passed.
WATCH: Lethbridge family wants answers
Lethbridge Regional Police Service Chief Rob Davis said other police chiefs across the country agree it’s a growing issue.
“We’re very proud of the efforts we make here in Lethbridge,” said Davis. “Nationally, whoever the government of the day is after the election needs to seriously consider having an inquest and coming out with meaningful recommendations that will stop the cycle of violence that leads to the tragedies.”
Davis added that the amount of support at the march and vigil shows the Lethbridge community understands the severity of the problem.
The vigil was one of more than 100 vigils taking place on Oct. 4 across the country.
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