Local organizations are coming together to mark National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women in Owen Sound.
The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce Fund Development and Communications Manager Krystal Stukas says a vigil is planned for Dec. 6 at noon at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market.
She says this annual event is to commemorate the 14 women who were murdered at L’Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989, as well as those who have been the victim of femicide, the gender-based killing of women.
“The Montreal Massacre was very significant for gender-based violence awareness in Canada and it really highlighted the importance of bringing awareness to what is referred to as femicide,” says Stukas.
She adds femicide is extremely prevalent in Canada today.
“Between Nov. 26, 2022 and Nov. 25, 2023, there were 62 confirmed femicides in Ontario and that’s more than one a week and any killing in general is horrible, but we continue to see these gender-based killings,” says Stukas.
The vigil will include hand drummers from the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, remarks by Elder, Shirley John and students from Owen Sound District Secondary School, as well as a choir performing a piece dedicated to the 1989 victims. Flowers will also be laid for those women and all women who are impacted by violence and abuse.
“Year-after-year we mourn all victims of unjust gender-based killings, in hopes that our acknowledgment pushes us towards a safer future, free of violence and abuse,” says Stukas.
The vigil will be held outdoors starting at noon.
