Overview

Each year, Sisters in Spirit Day is recognized in Alberta on October 4 to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, their families, loved ones and communities. Representing the lives lost, a red dress from Awo Taan Healing Lodge is on public display at the Queen Elizabeth II Building. On this day, vigils and events are also held across the country to support family members and loved ones.

Commemoration

To show your support:

  • take a moment of silence to remember the victims and their loved ones
  • light a candle in your window
  • share words to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people using #SISVigils and #MMIWG
  • participate in an event highlighted below

Events

  • Edmonton

    Sisters in Spirit Event

    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.

    Website: Eventbrite – Sisters in Spirit

  • Calgary

    Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society 20th Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil

    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.

    Website: Facebook – Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society 20th Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil

  • Grande Prairie

    Sisters in Spirit Walk and Candlelight Vigil

    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 honour 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.

    Website: All Events – Sisters in Spirit Walk and Vigil

  • Lethbridge

    Sisters in Spirit Vigil

    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.

    Website: Amnesty International – Sisters in Spirit Vigil

Related

Increasing safety for Indigenous women and girls

Indigenous women’s initiatives

Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society: Women’s emergency shelter

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