Again this year, several local agencies are working together to recognize the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and commemorate the 14 women who were murdered at L’Ecole Polytechnique on December 6, 1989, in what has become known as the Montreal Massacre.
Starting at noon on Wednesday, December 6, members of the public are invited to gather at the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market (88 8th St E) for a vigil that will mourn those we have lost and call for action to create safety for all.
The vigil will include Hand Drummers from the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, remarks by Elder, Shirley John and students from Owen Sound District Secondary School, and a choir performing a piece dedicated to the 1989 victims. Flowers will be laid for those 14 women and for all women who continue to be impacted by violence and abuse.
As of October 31, 2023, there have been 55 femicides (gender-based killings of a woman, child, trans woman, 2-Spirited Person, or gender non-conforming individual where a man has been charged in related to the death) in Ontario, surpassing the total number of femicides reported last year.
Co-organizer, Krystal Stukas of The Women’s Centre Bruce, says, “Year-after-year we mourn all victims of unjust gender-based killings, in hopes that our acknowledgement pushes us towards a safer future, free of violence and abuse.” Stukas’ co-organizer, Jane Hartley of Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey, elaborates with, “Education and awareness can spark change on a local level. We continue to see community members from all walks of life come together to help those in need. Thank you to our local community for their continuous displays of generosity and support for each other as we move towards a safer future for all”.
Organizers encourage participants to dress for the weather, as the vigil will take place outdoors.
