December 5, 2016
Manitobans Invited to Remember Women who Died as Result of Violence at Sunrise Memorial
A sunrise memorial at 8 a.m. tomorrow in the Rotunda of the Legislative Building will honour women who died in acts of violence, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.
“Tomorrow’s ceremony is an opportunity for Manitobans to reflect on violence against women in our society and remember the women and girls who face violence daily,” said Squires. “We must also acknowledge and remember the many missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Manitoba and Canada, and commit to eliminating violence against all women and girls.”
Dec. 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The day marks the anniversary of the murders of 14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989. Squires noted Manitoba’s annual Sunrise Memorial is in its 20th year.
The memories of the 14 women who died in Montreal in 1989 will be honoured with 14 red roses and 14 candles, which will be lit by members of the Mama Bear Clan patrol and other dignitaries. This year’s ceremony will also commemorate five Manitoba women who have died as a result of violence in Manitoba and whose memories will be honoured with white roses in a vase.
The minister noted all Manitobans have a role to play in addressing violence.
“Let’s come together to support one another and renew our resolve to end all forms of gender-based violence, and encourage the men in our lives to be allies,” said Squires. “I encourage every Manitoban to advocate for change, create dialogue, and challenge notions and comments that perpetuate violence against women in our homes, workplaces and communities.”
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women falls during 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign that runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10 to help create a culture where violence against women is not accepted.
For more information about support and services go to www.gov.mb.ca/fs/fvpp/resources.html. For more information about Manitoba Victim Services, go to www.gov.mb.ca/justice/victims/multi.html. Confidential help is also available any time at (toll-free) 1-877-977-0007.
The minister noted a box will be set up on the main floor of the Legislative Building to collect new, unwrapped toys for the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre.
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