Dozens of people attended a sombre rally at the Alberta legislature Saturday afternoon to commemorate the lives of missing and murdered indigenous women.
“This is a lot of pain to live with,” Stephanie Harpe, who said she was attending to speak on behalf of her murdered mother and friends, said. “It’s like a ghost that’s always with you, it never leaves you.”
The Sisters In Spirit walk was put together by the Centre to End All Sexual Exploitation, the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women and the Stolen Sisters and Brothers Awareness Movement. The event featured speakers, musicians, prayer and traditional drumming.
While the day brought up painful memories for many, some said there was a sense of optimism hanging in the air as well.
This summer, the Liberal government launched a national inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women. The commission is tasked with looking into past and present causes of violence against indigenous women, including an examination of systemic issues. It will also play a role in defining what action can be taken to protect indigenous women and girls.
READ MORE: Ottawa launches long-awaited inquiry into missing, murdered indigenous women
Watch below: On Aug. 3, 2016, Mike Le Couteur filed this report after the Liberal government unveiled its plan for an inquiry on missing and murdered indigenous women.
“We have high hopes,” Harpe said. “We have a lot of work to do (but) I feel very confident in who they have and so we’re ready to move on… historically we are guarded but we’re going to stay positive on this.”
Harpe added that she thought it was important to cooperate with the inquiry and the RCMP in order to make positive change on the issue.
Sisters in Spirit events are held across Canada every October.
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