Laurentian University students raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Oct. 4 is National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. It's a day to honour families, friends and survivors as the province continues to mourn the loss of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
At Laurentian University, staff and students from the School of Indigenous Relations gathered Monday to raise awareness about those whose lives were taken too soon.
The event was held by the Indigenous Social Work program. One of the students in the class, Neebin Prince, said the day is important in many ways.
“It’s a time to come together, not only to celebrate the strength that we hold and how far we’ve come, but it’s a day to mourn," said Prince.
"Yes, we are still learning about it, yes, we’re talking about it and it is a very, very significant topic. So, that’s why it’s important for people to come together and talk about missing and murdered Indigenous women because we educate, we mourn together, we learn and we really focus on our strength."
Prince said there are actually many more cases of victims than have been reported.
“About 50 per cent of cases for missing and murdered Indigenous women have been solved -- only 50 per cent," Prince said.
"So, if you take a look at the numbers, there’s still a lot more solving and looking into it that has to be done.”
Students who organized the event said they want people to know they can make a difference.
“Just to have the knowledge and a little bit more awareness on this day and recognizing the missing and murdered Indigenous women across all of this country,” said student Brett Recollet.
“I want them to know that their voices matter, they are strong and they are significant. When you use your voice, you create change and not only for yourself but people around you,” said Prince.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.