On December 6, 1989 14 women were shot and killed by a man at École Polytechnique because they were women who were studying in a traditionally male dominated space. In 1991 Canada chose to recognize Dec 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Yesterday, WAVAW was invited to speak with Roundhouse Radio to speak to the day. If you would like to listen to what we have to say you may do so here – the interview begins at 3m30s.

WAVAW also held a screening of “Highway of Tears” and a panel discussion at Vancouver Community College to commemorate this day. This year we dedicated the day to all of the Indigenous women and girls who have been affected by violence and colonization. Indigenous women are 3.5 times more likely to experience violence than non-indigenous women, and the violence they experience is often more severe and longer lasting. It is for this reason that we chose to focus our evening on this ongoing issue.

The panel discussion featured Rebecca Brass, Juanita Desjarlais, and Tony Gladstone. The women spoke to their lived experiences as Indigenous women, as well as their reflections on the film.

The event was incredibly powerful and we thank everyone who came out to  remember all the women who have been, and continue to be, affected by violence.

 At WAVAW we believe as long as Indigenous women are  experiencing this violence, all women from all walks of life will  continue to experience violence too.

It is crucial for our government and our communities to invest in essential services for women so that women can pursue their own paths to healing and justice with the support they need and deserve.

Let’s demand more from our governments and our  communities. Together we are powerful.