The Status of Women Council of the NWT and YWCA NWT will mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on Wednesday, December 6th with a vigil held in the Great Hall of the NWT Legislative Assembly.
The National Day of Remembrance was designated by Parliament to honour 14 young women murdered in 1989 at the Polytechnique Montréal in a violent act of misogyny. These organizations are taking the opportunity to honour not only these women, but also those here at home who have suffered or lost their lives to such acts. The Northwest Territories continues to have some of the highest rates of gender-based violence – including family violence and sexual violence – in the country.
The vigil will include guest speakers, a rose-laying ceremony and moment of silence, and a short musical performance by musician Leela Gilday. Mental health supports will be available onsite, as well as light refreshments.
The vigil is open to all members of the public.
The Status of Women Council and YWCA NWT are hoping that this event will not only educate residents about the scope and depth of this problem, but also serve as a call to action to address the ongoing epidemic of gender-based violence throughout the North and across Canada.
