Sisters in Spirit Vigils
What are you doing on October 4th?
October 4th is a day where we honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. The violence experienced by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy. We must take the time to give thanks to the families who are our reason we all continue to demand action.
A vigil can take many forms, from a moment of silence to a rally to a community feast. All that is important is that you take some time on or around October 4th to mark the day.
We firmly believe that the October 4th Sisters In Spirit Vigils are a movement for social change. The number of SIS Vigils has grown from 11 in 2006 to an impressive 216 vigils in 2014.
Each year, family members, Aboriginal community members, and concerned citizens gather for a vigil on October 4th to honour the memory of missing and murdered Aboriginal 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.
https://nwac.ca/policy-areas/violence-prevention-and-safety/sisters-in-s...
British Columbia
October 4th
Alexis Creek – Candlelight vigil, speeches, drumming & feast at the Elder’s Centre Tl’etinqox on October 4th at 10:00 am.
Organized by: Tl’etinqox Government
Harrison Hot Springs – Candlelight vigil at the Agassiz United Church on October 4th at 7:00 pm.
Organized by: Agassiz United Church
Courtenay – Vigil at the Discovery Hall, Comox Valley Campus on October 4th at 10:00 am.
Organized by: North Island Students’ Union
Kelowna – March, Candlelight Vigil, dinner, moment of silence at the Friendship Centre on October 4th from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Organized by: Ki-low-na Friendship Society
Whistler – March – Meet at the Welcome Pole by the Village 8 Cinema. Walk through Village Stroll singing the Women’s Warrior song to Olympic Plaza totem pole. End march at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). March to begin on October 4th at 11:00 am.
Organized by: Howe Sound Women’s Centre
Vancouver – We will have speakers, a candlelight Vigil and a Moment of Silence at the Peter A. Allard School of Law Franklin Lew Forum on October 4th from 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm.
Organized by: University of British Columbia, Indigenous Law Student’s Association
Vancouver – Candlelight Vigil & performance – Victory Square – 200 W Hastings Street (@ Cambie Street) –Coast Salish Opening, speakers, performance by Butterflies in Spirit, Kathara Filipino cultural group, Entertribal (hiphop duo), Candlelight Vigil and moment of silence on October 4th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Penticton – 5:30 pm Welcome remarks, prayer, dinner; 6:30 pm Guest speakers; 7:00 pm March & candlelight vigil. Located at the PID Band Hall, Green Mountain Road, Penticton, B.C. on October 4th from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Organized by: Okanagan National Transition Emergency House SOVAS, SOWINS, Penticton Indian Band, IRSSSS
New Westminster – Candlelight Vigil, screening of “Highway of Tears”, Faceless dolls & lantern release at Douglas College from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and the Quay at 6:00 pm, on October 4th.
Organized by: Douglas Students’ Union
Prince Rupert – Salmon dinner, Moment of Silence and traditional dancers at the Nisga’a Hall on October 4th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Organized by: North Coast Transition Society
Vernon – Moment of silence, prayers, hanging of the REDresses, sharing thoughts at the Okanagan Indian Band Main Administration – Cenotaph Monument on October 4th at 12:15 pm.
Organized by: Okanagan Indian Band
Enderby – Meet at 11:00 am at the Enderby Bridge for prayers, drumming, singing and offering tobacco. Walk to Community Centre at 5775 old Vernon Road for snacks and coffee, speakers & Woman’s Warrior Song on October 4th from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Organized by: Splatsin First Nation
October 5th
Coquitlam – Candlelight Vigil, Faceless Dolls, Lantern Release & screening of “Highway of tears” at Douglas College Coquitlam from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Lafarge Lake at 6:00 pm, on October 5th.
Organized by: Douglas Students’ Union
October 28th
Kamloops – Candlelight vigil and Moment of Silence to be held during our Aboriginal Women of Distinction Gala at the Coast Hotel in Kamloops on October 28.
Organized by: BC Native Women’s Association