Students Build Ties to Community to Stand Up for the Rights of Aboriginal Women
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
09/11/2009
Algoma University Student Union Media Release
Students Build Ties to Community to Stand Up for the Rights of Aboriginal Women
Algoma University Students Bring 'Sisters in Spirit' Campaign to Sault Ste. Marie
(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - SEPTEMBER 11th, 2009): It is estimated that over 500 aboriginal women have been murdered or gone missing in violent circumstances in Canada in the past 20 years.
In response to this crisis, October 4 has been declared a National Day of Action to stop violence against Aboriginal women. In over 40 communities across Canada, vigils will be held to direct attention to the growing crisis of violence against Aboriginal women. The Algoma University Student's Union (AUSU), in partnership with diverse community organizations, will host a series of events throughout the city to commemorate this day.
Our local series of events begins with the annual 'Take Back the Night' event on September 17, walking at 6:30 from Phoenix Rising (Albert St. E.) to the Roberta Bondar Pavilion. All are welcome for free food and drinks, drumming and ceremony, and activities for kids. This event is hosted by Womyn 4 Social Justice.
AUSU and the local Cinema Politica chapter will present the film 'Stolen Sisters' at Arcadia Coffeehouse (823 Queen St. E.) on September 25 at 8 pm. This film, exploring cases of missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada, has been widely screened throughout the country. Admission is by donation.
In partnership with the Shingwauk Anishinaabe Student's Association, AUSU will host a sacred fire ceremony and feast on October 5 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Algoma University Arbour. This gathering will be held in solidarity with all women who have been victimized by violence, as well as their families. Donations and food contributions will be accepted.
Founded by the Native Women's Association, Sisters in Spirit is an initiative is to address violence against Aboriginal (First Nations Inuit and Métis) women, particularly racialized and/or sexualized violence, that is, violence perpetrated against Aboriginal women because of their gender and Aboriginal identity. This program includes research, education, and policy, designed to increase public understanding and knowledge at a national level of the impact of racialized, sexualized violence against Aboriginal women often leading to their disappearance and death.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Stuebing by e-mail: rebecca.stuebing@algomau.ca.
Contact
Rebecca Stuebing, AUSU
Algoma University
1520 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
P6A 2G4
rebecca.stuebing@algomau.ca