Vaughan reflects on Sisters in Spirit Day

The City of Vaughan proclaimed Oct. 4 Sisters in Spirit Day. It is a day of somber reflection to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people in Canada. In commemoration, the City held a Spirit Vigil in the Courtyard at Vaughan City Hall this evening.

The vigil was led by Valarie King of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who spoke about the significance of the day, the impact of the loss of mothers, daughters, grandmothers, aunts and gender diverse people on Indigenous communities and advised how to take action. The vigil is one way to recognize, honour and remember the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people, support grieving families and loved ones, and create opportunities for healing and raising awareness.

Learn more about the Spirit Vigil on the City’s Indigenous relations and reconciliation webpage.

About Sisters in Spirit Day

Everyone has the right to be safe and free from violence. Since the onset of colonialism, Indigenous women have faced life-threatening, gender-based violence and disproportionately experience violent crimes because of hatred and racism. For years, First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities have called attention to the alarming number of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse people in Canada. On Oct. 4, 2006, the first Sisters in Spirit Vigil was organized as a collaboration between the Native Women’s Association of Canada, Amnesty International Canada and KAIROS Canada. It has since become an annual day for remembrance and awareness. 

To learn more, please visit the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

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