Members from the Awo-Tann Healing Lodge Society in Calgary marched past High River Wednesday, October 3 on a busy Highway 2, all to bring awareness to violence against Aboriginal women.

Executive Director for the Society, Josie Nepinak, says she hopes her members efforts will bring light to this issue.

"The whole idea is to raise awareness around missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada, unfortunately and sadly, Alberta has the second highest number of missing and murdered women."

The group plan on continuing their peace march, all the way into Calgary overnight, to make their way to the groups 14th annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil at the Olympic Plaza on Thursday, October 4.

Stephanie English marched alongside the society on Wednesday, and says she knows firsthand what it's like to be affected by violence.

"My daughter (Joey English) was murdered on June 8, 2016 in Calgary and the man only got 18 months. This is not a protest, this is to bring out the awareness of our communities. We got to work together, especially being in Southern Alberta. I grew up with a lot of negative elements around me, racism and discrimination, you name it."

The group will be wearing red, and asks guests to the Olympic Plaza to wear red to commemorate those who lost a loved one.

The event will feature speakers, music, a traditional ceremony and an open mic.

More information on the 14th Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil, can be found here.

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com