THUNDER BAY — Dozens of residents gathered Saturday to honour those lost during the 19th annual Valentine’s Day memorial for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People.
The walk was started 18 years ago by Sharon Johnson to remember her sister, Sandra Kaye Johnson, whose 1992 killing remains unsolved. Participant Ardelle Sagutcheway said the event encouraged her to reflect on how easily her life could have been different and stressed the need for more awareness about violence facing Indigenous women, men and boys.
Abigail Young-Churchill of the Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre said the yearly memorial is important in raising awareness. Events this week included poster-making, a sacred fire ceremony and Saturday’s gathering. Because of icy conditions, organizers adjusted the usual community walk to keep participants safe while still encouraging people to remember loved ones in their own way.
The memorial, co-organized by Kim Ducharme, began at Southside Thrift & Gift.
