Submitted by Nelson VAWIR
The National Day of Remembrance and Action to End Violence against Women is Friday. It commemorates the Montreal Massacre at L’Ecole Polytechnique in 1989. Fourteen women, all but one of them students anticipating the promise of bright futures, were murdered. Every Dec. 6 we remember. Because there is still a need.
We mourn the murders of Genevieve Bergeron, 21; Helene Colgan, 23; Nathalie Croteau, 23; Barbara Daigneault, 22; Anne-Marie Edward, 21; Maud Havienick, 29; Barabara Maria Klucznik, 31; Maryse Laganiere, 25; Maryse Leclair, 23; Anne-Marie Lemay, 27; Sonia Pelletier, 28; Michele Richard, 21; Annie St.-Arneault, 23; and Annie Turcotte, 21.
On the 30-year anniversary, the Violence Against Women in Relationships committee invites community members to remember the significance of this day by gathering on the grounds of Nelson City Hall for a candlelight vigil at 1:30 p.m. The vigil will include drumming, songs, a speaker and the traditional laying of the roses. In addition, silhouettes of women with statistics and resources will be placed throughout downtown Baker street as a visual reminder of what was lost 30 years ago, and how the group is currently working to end gender-based violence.
This event is not only about remembering but is about calling for change by supporting and valuing the lives of the people most impacted by violence. Come out to commemorate these 14 women and stand in solidarity against gender-based violence.