Hundreds take part in Sisters in Spirit vigil in Lethbridge

Melanie Morrow was one of the hundreds of people participating in the walk. She says it was her third or fourth time taking part in the event.

“Not only do I have a lot of relationships with people who I know are directly impacted by Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children all over Canada, but in particular, our own community,” says Morrow. “I think being here to show your support and advocacy is really important.”

Morrow is an Indigenous educator with the Lethbridge School Division. She says she tries to encourage teachers and other school division staff members to learn as much as they can about Indigenous culture and history.

When it comes to teaching children about MMIWG, residential schools, and reconciliation, Morrow tries to focus on the resiliency of Indigenous people and the positive aspects of Indigenous culture.

“We try to come from that positive lens, but we don’t shy away from the truth and the truth is very important and that’s how we can change tomorrow, it’s how we can create a better future,” says Morrow. “We do have sort of age-appropriate conversations, you know, different levels of kids understand different content and different content is important for different levels.”

It is Morrow’s hope that people can be more open to learning about other cultures and educate themselves on things like MMIWG.

Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh was one of the many prominent Lethbridge officials taking part in the walk and vigil.

He says his service, like many others across the country, is taking steps to address reconciliation but acknowledges that more needs to be done.

Mehdizadeh told LNN that he is in regular contact with Indigenous leaders from across the region so that they can come up with solutions together.

Alberta Minister of Indigenous Relations Rick Wilson adds that the provincial government is taking the issues of MMIWG and reconciliation seriously.

“Ending the MMIWG2S+ crisis is a priority for our government, and it is an issue close to my heart. We will continue working to find lasting solutions and provide opportunities for healing for the loved ones and families of MMIWG2S+,” says Wilson.

This past weekend, the provincial government announced more than $20 million in funding to efforts aimed at fighting human trafficking. They also created a council that will give recommendations to the premier on MMIWG.

Hundreds march in the Sisters in Spirit walk in Lethbridge, Oct. 4, 2022. (Video: Lethbridge News Now)

Officials deliver remarks before the Sisters in Spirit walk, Oct. 4, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

Participants view signs placed on the steps of Lethbridge City Hall before the Sisters in Spirit walk, Oct. 4, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

The listed names of dozens of Indigenous women and girls from the Blackfoot Confederacy who have been killed or have gone missing, Oct. 4, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

Hundreds of participants walk into Galt Gardens for the Sisters in Spirit vigil, Oct. 4, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

Red dresses hung at Galt Gardens serve as a symbol for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Oct. 4, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

A vigil set up at Galt Gardens for Sisters in Spirit Day, Oct. 4, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

Hundreds attend the vigil at Galt Gardens for Sisters in Spirit Day, Oct. 4, 2022. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

by David Opinko

Hundreds take part in Sisters in Spirit vigil in Lethbridge

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