Show solidarity with families of Stolen Sisters on October 4

Vigils are being held across Canada on October 4 to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people.

Here’s how to get involved in your community.

Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people experience far higher rates of violence than other women and girls in Canada. Despite the federal government’s launch of the National Inquiry, government is not doing enough to end this human rights crisis.

Family members of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people, Indigenous women’s organizations, and allies come together every year on October 4 at vigils in communities across Canada to honour the lives of our Stolen Sisters—missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. Vigils are an important opportunity for allies to show our support and solidarity with family members who are grieving the loss of a loved one while advocating for justice and an end to the violence.

On October 4 we need you to show solidarity with the loved ones of Stolen Sisters.

1. ATTEND OR ORGANIZE A VIGIL

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) posts a list of vigils being organized across Canada. Find out if a vigil is being organized in your community. Contact NWAC, your local band office, friendship centre, or Indigenous community or service organization to see if a local vigil is planned. If nothing is planned in your community, read NWAC’s vigil toolkit, organize a vigil with Indigenous partners, and register it with NWAC.

>>> Get involved with October 4 vigils

2. ORGANIZE A MOMENT OF SILENCE

Organize a moment of silence at your workplace, school, home, or other gathering place to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. Register your moment of silence just as you would register a vigil with NWAC.

>>> Get involved with October 4 vigils

3. SHOW YOUR SOLIDARITY

Get involved with NWAC’s interactive social media project to honour families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people.

>>> Print out these hearts, add your message & post online using the #SISVigils hashtag

4. TWEET YOUR SUPPORT

Active on Twitter? Join Amnesty in voicing support for the loved ones of Stolen Sisters.

To loved ones of #MMIWG – I hear you, I see you & I advocate with you for justice. #NoMoreStolenSisters @AmnestyNow

— Jackie Hansen (@AI_WomenRights) August 30, 2017