Rain Could Not Deter Sisters in Spirit Annual Vigil and Walk in Marathon

Written by admin on 11 October 2012

Photography by Jan Latham
Information courtesy Maryann Darling

Left to right; Maggie Mae Gover Katie Everatt and Colleen Gofer

MARATHON, ON– October 4th, a group of more than 30 people from Marathon and neighbouring communities participated, for the 5th consecutive year, in the Native Women’s Association of Canada’s 7th Annual, SISTERS IN SPIRIT candle light vigil and walk. a national event, to remember and honour the lives of the many missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls and to offer support to families who have been tragically touched by the loss of a loved one to violence.

The event began at 6:30pm when the rain stopped just long enough for a a pipe ceremony by David Desmoulin of Pic River First Nation. The group, included one 90 yr old participant, then walked through pouring rain, escorted by officers and vehicles from Anishinabek Police Services and the Marathon Ontario Provincial Police, down Peninsula Road to Trinity Anglican Church. At the church their vigil, one of an estimated 163 hosted across Canada, began, as did all others, with the reading of a Joint Statement released by the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). Attendees also heard the story of a woman, taken from her family by murder, many of the participants wiped away tears as they listened. A prayer led by Reverend. Joan Locke (TAC) preceded the evening’s close which included bannock, tea, and fellowship while a slide show of previous years vigils was played bringing back many fond memories.

Organizers thank everyone who participated or assisted to make this event a success and look forward to welcoming many new faces to next year’s vigil.

: Sharing their message participants walk Penninsula Road in Marathon.

: Left to right; Maggie Mae Gover Katie Everatt and Colleen Gofer

FAST FACTS

2012 marked Marathon’s 5th year participating in the Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil October 4th.
his year, NWAC is pleased to announce that every province and territory is hosting SIS Vigils.
Vigils are also being held outside of Canada on the Seneca Nation, New York, Los Angeles, California, Los Cruces, New Mexico and another in La Paz, Bolivia.