Dozens gathered in downtown Whitehorse on Friday to pay tribute to the numerous Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals who have either been killed or are still missing. The inaugural Sisters in Spirit marches occurred in October 2006 under the auspices of the Native Women’s Association of Canada, aiming to raise awareness about the disproportionate rates of violence faced by Indigenous women.
Two decades later, these vigils are an annual occurrence in various Canadian communities, with the Native Women’s Association persisting in their investigations into the underlying causes of this violence, such as resource extraction industries and the housing crisis. Participants at the Whitehorse event had personal ties to the issue, with many being survivors of violence or grieving for a loved one.
Joy O’Brien, attending in memory of her cousin Tina, a murder victim, emphasized the importance of supporting one another and addressing the systemic issues contributing to the violence. She highlighted historical injustices like Indian Residential Schools and mineral extraction that have left Indigenous women vulnerable, emphasizing the need to restore their cultural identity and strength.
Yvonne Ollie, who traveled from Ross River to commemorate her daughter Skye Dick, expressed her ongoing anguish and quest for justice. While a man was charged with manslaughter in her daughter’s case last year, she lamented the slow progress of the legal process and the impact on her family. Despite the unresolved questions, Ollie found solace in solidarity with others sharing similar experiences during the vigil.