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Walk remembers slain Aboriginal women
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Over 60 people participated in the Sisters in Spirit Walk at Jaycee Park June 13. From front to back are Lorraine Shaw, Jarrett Lalonde and Lisa Badger.
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Mac Olsen
for South Peace News
Aboriginal women have been victims of violence and murder for too long and it is time to draw a line and say, “No more!”
Such were Vicky Barsalou’s feelings as she marched with 62 others from the High Prairie Friendship Centre to Jaycee Park June 13 in the first annual Sisters in Spirit Walk.
Barsalou says missing and murdered Aboriginal women should not be marginalized because of what happened to them.
“It is predominately Aboriginal women,” says Barsalou. “They may live high-risk lives. They may have been victims of abuse. But what makes it right for them to be murdered? They’re people too, they were loved and they had families. All women, everywhere, have to stand up and say, ‘Enough! We want something done!’”
After arriving at Jaycee Park, Joyce Hamelin sang an honour song and Pearl Sandor, the vice-president of the centre, offered a prayer. Fern Welch brought greetings on behalf of the M.D. of Big Lakes and herself.
Participants also walked along the Rianna Otto Memorial Trail, then returned to the park for a barbecue. Barsalou wanted to plant 10 trees in the park in memory of all murdered women, but the High Prairie and District Regional Recreation Board had not given approval in time for the event. The board has since given permission and the trees will be planted later.
Barsalou thanks all who supported the walk and plans to make it an annual event.
She adds the centre will hold a candlelight vigil for missing women in October. Details will be announced at a later date.
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