A vigil to honour missing and murdered women has not been discontinued, but has seen a name and format change, says the St. John’s Status of Women Council and Women's Centre.
Despite social media talk about the event being canceled or drastically altered away from its original intent, the vigil formerly called “In Her Name,” goes ahead Friday night and is part of a week-long event.
The “Sisters in Spirit” vigil is open to all members of the public and families of all missing and murdered Newfoundland and Labrador women, Indigenous and non Indigenous.
“We’re hoping that people who showed up at “In Her Name” will show up at this event,” said Laura Winters, executive director of the women’s centre.
“It’s a different way to come together as a community than in the past.”
She said the women's centre has historically taken the lead on “In Her Name” but this year, First Light reached out and asked if the centre would be open to them taking the lead on the event and to changing the name to “Sisters in Spirit” to reflect the events happening across the country.
For approximately 15 years, “Sisters in Spirit” events have been held on Oct. 4 each year in communities across the country.
The women's centre agreed the event would continue to honour all missing and murdered women in the province – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, Winters said.
Over the summer, First Light held community consultations which called for more support to be built into the week, which all this week included support events 5-7 p.m. at First Light Cochrane Centre, 81 Cochrane St. At those events, any families and friends of murdered and missing women, along with anyone impacted by the issue can connect to find support, grieve or discuss advocacy around the issue of violence against women.
After the vigil Friday night there will be a feast prepared by First Light.
Women’s names will be displayed on a screen but families can speak if they like including saying the names of the victims. However, it’s been asked that the method of violence or murder not be read out, as the Indigenous community prefers to celebrate the women’s lives and share stories about who they were rather than focus on the offenders or accused offenders.
The event, which starts at 6 p.m., moves inside this year to the Cochrane Centre.
Anyone wishing to speak should arrive at 5:30 p.m. There will be space for pictures and mementos that anyone would like to bring and display.
The women’s centre will hold a debrief on Oct. 9 at 12 p.m. at 170 Cashin Ave. to hear feedback and explore the need for any further collective action or events around missing and murdered women in the province.
“We are so happy to partner with First Light, who have been gracious in sharing their cultural practices, ceremonies and space as options for support and healing for all community members,” Winters said.
