Table of contents

Overview

Sisters in Spirit Day honours the memories of the more than 1,200 missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada. A red dress from Awo Taan Healing Lodge is on public display at the Queen Elizabeth II Building in their memory. On October 4, vigils and events are also held across the country to support family members and loved ones.

Events

  • Calgary

    Peace march and rally

    Date: October 4
    Time: 10 am to 11 am
    Location: Stephen Avenue and 3rd Street SW, Olympic Plaza
    Host: Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society

    Description: Bring your drums, shawls, rattles and noisemakers to the Sisters in Spirit peace march and rally, hosted by Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society. Activities include speakers, Honour songs, traditional ceremony and an open microphone. Bagged lunched will be provided by Suncor.

    Event link: Facebook – Awo Taan Healing Lodge Society 19th Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil

  • Edmonton

    Sisters in Spirit Memorial Vigil

    Date: October 4
    Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
    Location: University of Alberta, Faculty of Law, Main entrance foyer (see map)

    Description: Hosted by the Wahkohtowin Law & Governance Lodge. We honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals. There will be an opening prayer, guest speakers, drumming, and a moment of silence.

    Sisters in Spirit: Memorial Walk for MMIW

    Date: October 4
    Time: 12 pm to 1 pm
    Location: MacEwan University, Griffins’ Landing (Building 6, across from Starbucks)

    Description: Led by Knowledge Keeper Cynthia Jim, the memorial walk will start shortly after noon and will proceed through campus to kihêw waciston. On arrival at kihêw waciston, refreshments will be available and Cynthia will share a teaching beginning at 1 pm.

    IAAW Edmonton Sisters in Spirit Memorial - Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

    Date: October 4
    Time: 6 pm to 8 pm
    Location: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), 11762 106 Street Edmonton, AB

    Description: Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women & partners will host a ceremony to remember our Sisters in Spirit. The event will include family member presentations, information on supports and a walk hosted by Stolen Sisters and Brothers Movement.

    Event link: Eventbrite – Edmonton Sisters in Spirit Memorial

    Sisters in Spirit Vigil in support of James Smith Cree Nation spiritual care

    Date: October 4
    Time: 7 pm to 8 pm
    Location: All Saints' Cathedral, 10035-103 St NW, Edmonton, AB

    Description: Please join Celeigh Cardinal and Michelle Nieviadomy for a Sisters in Spirit Vigil, October 4, 7 pm, at All Saints' Cathedral, 10035-103 St NW, Edmonton. Help us honour the lives of Missing, Murdered and Exploited Indigenous people through song, ceremony and poetry.

    Event link: Anglican Diocese of Edmonton – Sisters in Spirit Vigil

  • Grande Prairie

    Annual Sisters in Spirit Memorial Walk and Candlelight Vigil

    Date: October 4
    Time: 6 pm
    Location: Meet at the Spirit Sisters Rock near College and Community Health Centre, and walk to the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, 10507 98 Avenue, Grande Prairie, AB.
    Host: Grande Prairie Friendship Centre with Hug a Sister and Northwestern Polytechnic

    Description: Please join us on October 4, Sisters in Spirit Day to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and show support for their loved ones.

    Wear blue, bring a drum or rattle and we are calling all jingle dress dancers to join us.

    Event link: Facebook – Annual Sisters In Spirit Memorial Walk and Candlelight Vigil

  • Lethbridge

    Sisters in Spirit Vigil

    Date: October 4
    Time: 6:30 pm to 9 pm
    Location: Event starts at City Hall - 910 4th Ave S, Lethbridge, AB. March to vigil at Galt Gardens via 4th Ave & 5th Street S
    Host: Amnesty International

    Description: Family members, Indigenous community members, and concerned citizens gather for a vigil every October 4th to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Vigils take place in many communities across Canada as well as internationally. These gatherings serve to raise awareness and to provide support to families who have lost a loved one.

    Event link: Amnesty International – Sisters in Spirit Vigil

  • Peace River

    Sisters in Spirit walk and vigil

    Date: October 4
    Time: 4 pm
    Location: Peace River Museum to Riverfront Park
    Host: Peace River Sisters in Spirit and Peace River Aboriginal Interagency Committee

    Description: Gather at Peace River Museum to smudge and prepare for march to Riverfront Park. Vigil will begin upon arrival in the park.

    Event link: Facebook – Sisters in Spirit

  • Red Deer

    Sisters in Spirit Vigil 2022

    Date: October 4
    Time: 5 pm to 7 pm
    Location: Red Deer Friendship Centre, 4808 51 Ave, Red Deer, AB
    Host: Red Deer Friendship Centre

    Description: Meet at the Red Deer Native Friendship Centre to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit. We will walk to City Hall and then to the Red Deer museum.

    Event link: Raven Radio – Sisters in Spirit Vigil

  • Slave Lake

    Sisters in Spirit walk and candlelight vigil

    Date: October 4
    Time: 6:30 pm
    Location: Slave Lake Town Hall to Rennie Hall Plaza

    Description: The Métis Nation of Alberta Region 5 is organizing a Sisters in Spirit Walk and Candlelight Vigil to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). It starts with a walk from Slave Lake Town Hall to Rennie Hall Plaza. There will also be a candlelight vigil and moment of silence followed by a talk from honoured guests. Refreshments will be offered at the Region 5 office following the service.

    Event link: Slave Lake – Sisters in Spirit Walk and candlelight vigil

  • Online

    Families of Sisters in Spirit and Amnesty International Canada present MMIWG2S and Police Accountability press conference

    Date: October 3
    Time: 11 am PT
    Location: Online (link to register)
    Host: Amnesty International

    Description: Families of Sisters in Spirit and Amnesty International Canada will present a virtual press conference featuring family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people. The families will share their experiences of negligence, discrimination, and the lack of accountability demonstrated by the police forces investigating the disappearances and deaths of their loved ones.

    Event link: MMIWG2S and Police Accountability Press Conference

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