12th Annual Strawberry Ceremony in Downtown Toronto on February 14, 2017

Photo Credit: Christine Smith (McFarlane)

Joyce Carpenter with a photo of her missing daughter: Photo Credit by Christine Smith (McFarlane)

Susan Blight-Photo Taken By Christine Smith (McFarlane)

   By: Christine Smith (McFarlane)

The crisis of the missing and murdered First Nations women of Canada is both a national tragedy and a national shame. Organized by Toronto’s February 14^th Organizing Committee which is comprised of No More Silence, Sistering, The Native Youth Sexual Health Network, Maggie’s and other Indigenous and feminist organizations, these organizations work together to raise awareness about the disappearances of Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans and Two-Spirit people on Turtle Island.

On Tuesday February 14, 2017, the 12^th Annual Strawberry Ceremony was held to honour Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans and Two-Spirit people who have died violent and premature deaths at the Toronto Police Headquarters at 40 College Street in downtown Toronto. Close to six hundred people came together on Tuesday to let victim’s families know- they are not forgotten.

            The Government of Canada launched an independent national inquiry into the Missing and Murdered Indigenous women and girls in 2016. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is independent from the federal government but it’s been regarded with mixed feelings. No More Silence co-founder Audrey Huntley says “that in these times of a government inquiry it is even more important for community to step up and have grieving members backs - their struggle for justice amid terrible pain needs to be honoured and respected. They need to know we love them and will never forget!”

           

Full post can be seen at shamelessmag.com Miigwetch!