By Angela Brown

Walk to remember murdered and missing Indigenous women sees strong support

Oct 4, 2018 | 1:48 PM

There was a large turnout for a walk to remember missing and murdered Indigenous women in North Battleford Thursday.

Erica Hennie, Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre (BASAC) counsellor, who helped organize the event, said the Sisters in Spirit Walk was to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and two-spirited people who have gone missing. 

“We came together in support of the families who have people missing,” Hennie said. “We’re trying to bring awareness of everything that is happening in our communities within our province.”

She said the issue impacts many families right across Canada and worldwide.

Family and friends of Ashley Morin, who went missing in July, also participated in the walk.

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Hennie said the issue hits home with many people including herself. She said one of her daughters who had been missing was kidnapped, but eventually made it home alive. 

“I know what they are going through,” Hennie said. “My daughter was returned to me which I’m grateful for, but the time that she was gone was very heartbreaking.”

Morin’s family members spoke about their own pain not knowing Morin’s whereabouts and whether or not she is safe.

“It’s been tough,” said Mike Bird, Morin’s cousin. “We’re all staying strong to support my Auntie Diane – that’s Ashley’s mum, and her siblings. All we are doing right now is praying, sticking together and being strong for one another.”

He thanked the organizers of the walk, saying it is important to the family and everyone impacted by the issue of murdered and missing women and two-spirited people. 

Some of the many people taking part in the Sisters in Spirit Walk included local high school students as well as a youth drumming group from Little Pine First Nation.

The walk started outside the BASAC office in North Battleford and travelled through the downtown area, before concluding with a vigil outside city hall.

Angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW