MMIWG2S National Day of Awareness – “Say Their Names” Photo Collection

Posted by Qalipu on
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Last Friday, May 5th, marked the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-spirited People (MMIWG2S). Qalipu First Nation commemorated the day with an event at the Mikwite’tm [mig we day dum – I remember] Garden in Corner Brook; “Say Their Name” was a spiritual community gathering featuring smudging, prayer, words of remembrance, poster making and a walk of awareness.

Shawn and Linda Leamon remember and bring awareness to the loss of their niece, Beverly Brake.
Shawn and Linda Leamon remember and bring awareness to the loss of their niece, Beverly Brake.
Glenda Buckle hung a red dress as part of a ceremony in which women hung red dresses around the garden while men placed red carnations at the centre. Glenda is holding a photo of her sister, Janet Louvelle, whose life was taken before her 17th birthday. Glenda was an essential member of the team in the planning of Mikwite'tm Garden. The space was developed to bring awareness and honour to missing and murdered Indigenous women and children.
Glenda Buckle hung a red dress as part of a ceremony in which women hung red dresses around the garden while men placed red carnations at the centre. Glenda is holding a photo of her sister, Janet Louvelle, whose life was taken before her 17th birthday.
Glenda was an essential member of the team in the planning of Mikwite’tm Garden. The space was developed to bring awareness and honour to missing and murdered Indigenous women and children.
Chief Mitchell poses with the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women's Association who were on hand to support the event with prayer and song.
Chief Mitchell poses with the Corner Brook Aboriginal Women’s Association who were on hand to support the event with prayer and song.
Sgt. Shawna Park of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was MC for the event. We suspect Shawna may have been the first in Canada to pair her ribbon skirt with her uniform two years ago at the grand opening of Mikwite'tm Garden.
Sgt. Shawna Park of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary was MC for the event.
We suspect Shawna may have been the first in Canada to pair her ribbon skirt with her uniform two years ago at the grand opening of Mikwite’tm Garden.
Western Vice Chief Jenny Brake spoke about the importance of bringing awareness to the serious issue of violence in communities. The Vice Chiefs' artwork is featured as the central design of Mikwite'tm Garden.
Western Vice Chief Jenny Brake spoke about the importance of bringing awareness to the serious issue of violence in communities.
The Vice Chiefs’ artwork is featured as the central design of Mikwite’tm Garden.
Kaylee Sullivan, Education Outreach Officer with the Band, shared her poem Mikwit'lmulek (we remember you). It reads, in part, "Please find our girls/ Find our women/ Before they join the stars forever/ And for those who have already/ crossed the rainbow bridge of light,/ Find peace, my sister, as I fight for/ you/ Mikwite'lmulek. We Remember You."
Kaylee Sullivan, Education Outreach Officer with the Band, shared her poem Mikwit’lmulek (we remember you).
It reads, in part, “Please find our girls/ Find our women/ Before they join the stars forever/ And for those who have already/ crossed the rainbow bridge of light,/ Find peace, my sister, as I fight for/ you/ Mikwite’lmulek. We Remember You.”
Women and girls formed a circle of unity around the Spirit Bay Drummers.
Women and girls formed a circle of unity around the Spirit Bay Drummers.
Amandeep Brar and her son, Jatinder (age 6) participated in poster and banner making. The creations were held by participants on the walk along West Street.
Amandeep Brar and her son, Jatinder (age 6) participated in poster and banner making. The creations were held by participants on the walk along West Street.
(L-R) Band Manager Charles Pender with Andrew Simmons, Director of Finance.
(L-R) Band Manager Charles Pender with Andrew Simmons, Director of Finance.
Lezley McCarthy, Manager of Tourism and Community Development, played a key role in organizing the event. Pictured here with Derek Baldwin of Corner Brook. During the event, a moment of silence was observed during which participants called out the names of lost women and girls, listed on the placard.
Lezley McCarthy, Manager of Tourism and Community Development, played a key role in organizing the event. Pictured here with Derek Baldwin of Corner Brook.
During the event, a moment of silence was observed during which participants called out the names of lost women and girls, listed on the placard.
(L-R) Kristen Pittman, Ashley Young, Monica Companion, Tina Diamond Guests at "Say Their Name" were encouraged to wear red to help raise awareness of MMIWG2S
(L-R) Kristen Pittman, Ashley Young, Monica Companion, Tina Diamond
Guests at “Say Their Name” were encouraged to wear red to help raise awareness of MMIWG2S
Chief Mitchell walking with RNC Inspector Gerard Webb. During the walk, the Chief and others shared songs on their drums.
Chief Mitchell walking with RNC Inspector Gerard Webb.
During the walk, the Chief and others shared songs on their drums.
Three generations Keith Goulding with daughter Rebecca Oake and grandson, Lincoln Oake.
Three generations
Keith Goulding with daughter Rebecca Oake and grandson, Lincoln Oake.
This card tells the story of a lost life Marion Brake holds one of the twenty-seven cards that were given to participants to read and learn about the lives of those who have been lost in our province.
This card tells the story of a lost life
Marion Brake holds one of the twenty-seven cards that were given to participants to read and learn about the lives of those who have been lost in our province.
The event planning team, Department of Culture, Tourism and Community Development (L-R) Kellie Kerpan (Director) and staff Lezley McCarthy, Kaylee Sullivan, Monica Companion, Allyson Robbins, Lindsey Swift, (front) Paul Pike, Marty Benoit.
The event planning team, Department of Culture, Tourism and Community Development
(L-R) Kellie Kerpan (Director) and staff Lezley McCarthy, Kaylee Sullivan, Monica Companion, Allyson Robbins, Lindsey Swift, (front) Paul Pike, Marty Benoit.