The annual Sisters in Spirit Gathering for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada will be held at the First Nations University of Canada Regina Campus tomorrow Saturday, October 4, 2014. The gathering, which is open to everyone, will begin with a traditional pipe ceremony at 4:00 p.m. with a vigil and round dance to follow.

According to Sisters in Spirit, more than 1200 First Nations, Metis, and Inuit women and girls have been reported missing or have been murdered in Canada over the past 30 years.

“Many of these women and girls have been taken from their homes, the street, from urban areas and from reservations. Indigenous women and girls in Canada are at a higher risk of violence as they are five times more likely to die as a result of violence compared to non-Indigenous women,” says the group in a release.

The gathering has grown to include over 100 cities and communities nationally.

Banner from a Regina rally earlier this year to raise awareness about missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Jeanelle Mandes

“This is the largest event across Canada that honours and recognizes Indigenous women and girls. Unfortunately, it is because they are missing and murdered. Despite strong support for action on this tragedy among provincial and territorial leaders and the Canadian public the Harper government has dismissed a number of recommendations from the UN Human Rights Council, including a call for reviewing violence against aboriginal women. It is through gatherings like this we are able to heal together as a community,” says Jaqueline Anaquod, the Chair of the Sisters in Spirit South Sask Planning Committee in Regina.

The goal of the vigil is to honour the families of the women and girls that have disappeared or who have lost their lives to violence, not to sensationalize the murders. 

“We are healing our community through our right to practice our ceremonies and traditions. We are bring ceremonial justice to the families and all who have been affected by violence against women,” says Sisters in Spirit.

Event Timeline:

First Nations University of Canada Regina Campus - Parking available in gravel lot. SIS Gathering itinerary:

4:00 p.m. MEN'S & WOMEN'S PIPE CEREMONY

Elder Margaret Keewatin - Okanese First Nation

Elder Sydney Kaye - Kawacatoose First Nation

4:30 p.m. TRADITIONAL FEAST

Servers - Aboriginal Police Prep Program

*Community members asked to bring a food item and your own dishes*

6:00 p.m. CANDLELIGHT VIGIL & SPEAKERS

MC Dr. Shauneen Pete

RainWater Singers drum group

Families of our missing & stolen sisters speakers

7:00 p.m. TRANS-ACTIONS PERFORMANCE

8:00 p.m. ROUND DANCE

MC Howie Thompson - Carry the Kettle First Nation

Stickman - Teddy Bison - Oceanman First Nation

Community Give-Away & lunch