Sisters in Spirit

Overview

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

2020 events

This year, the following marches, vigils and virtual events will help recognize Sisters in Spirit Day in Alberta.

Bonnyville

Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre Sisters in Spirit Vigil

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 7 pm
Event location: Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre (4711 50 Avenue)
Description: A vigil will take place outside the Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre.

Calgary

Calgary Sisters in Spirit March and Vigil

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 10:30 am
Event location: Gather at Stephen Avenue and 3rd Street
Description: The event will start with participants gathering at Stephen Avenue and 3rd Street. The march will go along Stephen Avenue to City Hall Plaza. A vigil will start at noon at City Hall Plaza.

Grande Prairie

11th Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil and Walk

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 3 pm
Event location: Spirit Sisters Rock (on the Muskoseepi trail north of the Grande Prairie Regional College Health Clinic)
Description: The walk will be along the reservoir with photographs of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls on display. A prayer and candlelight vigil will take place.

High Level

High Level Sisters in Spirit

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 6 pm
Event location: High Level Friendship Centre
Description: In support of the Walk for Justice event from September 30 to October 4, a stew and bannock supper will take place at 6 pm. A candlelight vigil will take place after supper.

High Prairie

High Prairie Sisters in Spirit Vigil

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 1:30 pm
Event location: High Prairie Native Friendship Centre (4919 51 Avenue)
Description: A vigil will take place starting at 1:30 pm outside the Friendship Centre.

Hinton

Hinton Friendship Centre MMIWG Walk

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 6 pm
Event location: Lions Park
Description: The Walk in support of MMIWG will start at Lions Park and end at Green Square.

Lethbridge

Sisters in Spirit Annual Vigil

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 6:30 pm
Event location: Lethbridge City Hall
Description: The event will start with a street march from the city hall to Galt Gardens, followed by the memorial and vigil in the park.

Wetaskiwin

Wetaskiwin Sisters in Spirit Day: Walk & Vigil

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 12 pm
Event location: Jubilee Park
Description: The event features guest speakers, and a prayer and healing jingle dress dance.
Website: Wetaskiwin Sisters in Spirit Day: Walk & Vigil

Virtual events

Peace River Sisters in Spirit Day

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 12 pm
Description: Community members are invited to register on the PRAIC website, post a selfie or both.
The route will be marked from the Sister in Spirit Rock to the Memorial Friendship Bench.
Tobacco ties are available at the museum from 2 pm to 4 pm. Sacred Fire will be lit on October 4 from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Website: Peace River Sisters in Spirit Day

Athabasca Native Friendship Centre Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 4 pm to 5 pm
Description: There event will be a virtual discussion on MMIWG. Participants are encouraged to hang a Red Dress in their window. Flowers will be placed at the Riverfront for people to take and walk down to the river to say a prayer.

Native Women’s Association of Canada Sisters in Spirit Virtual Vigil

Date: October 4, 2020
Time: 4 pm to 5:30 pm MST; 2 pm to 3:30 pm EST
Description: The virtual event will focus on families of MMIWG sharing stories of their family members.