February 11, 2022
Statement from Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Alan Lagimodiere on the 31st Annual Women's Memorial March
This Monday, Feb. 14, we pay our deepest respects and honour the lives of missing and murdered women, girls and gender-diverse peoples who have gone missing or have been taken far too soon, and encourage all Manitobans to bring awareness and support in speaking out against violence and come together to remember those who are still missing.
The Women’s Memorial March (WMM) is held every year on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, in cities across Canada and the United States. The WMM started in 1992 in Vancouver, B.C., following the murder of an Indigenous woman. The first Women’s Memorial March began as a small memorial but grew to become an annual march to honour all missing and murdered women, Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse peoples. Decades later, the march continues, spreading to more than 20 cities across Canada and the United States.
The annual march provides an avenue of support and healing for families and communities to share in their collective grief. It is a memorial where butterflies are worn to show love and respect of the missing and murdered loved ones.
Addressing violence against Indigenous women and girls, and incidences of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, is a priority for Manitoba. Our government will continue to work with Indigenous women, girls, gender-diverse peoples, families, survivors, leadership and communities to advance concrete action to respond to the Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and promote a future where Indigenous women and girls can thrive in an environment of safety and security.
This year, the MMIWG2S Manitoba Coalition in partnership with Manitoba Moon Voices will be hosting a virtual gathering on Feb. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. to hear teachings from elders on how to remember and honour those who have gone to the spirit world.
The Legislative Building will be lit with the symbolic red dress on Feb. 14. The red dress is a visual reminder of the tragic issues surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender-diverse peoples across Canada and can be a powerful symbol of hope and acknowledgement.
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