Sisters in Spirit 2020

Sisters in Spirit Information
Sept. 17, 2020
Sisters in Spirit Vigil for Murdered and Missing Women and Girls

First Light and The St. John’s Status of Women Council (SJSOWC) have partnered for this year’s Sisters in Spirit Vigil for Missing and Murdered Women and Girls. Events and opportunities for healing will be happening the week of September 28th and leading up to the vigil on Oct. 4th.
A quiet space will be provided throughout the week for people to come together to sit and reflect on their loved ones’ lives. There will be opportunities to share their stories, and partake in various crafts and Indigenous ceremony. Support will also be available throughout this week and beyond.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a registration process this year for people who wish to attend the events in person. We are especially interested in connecting with the families and friends of women who have been murdered or missing in this province. In addition to the in-person events, there will also be an online component so that those who cannot partake in person can still be involved.

If you are a family member of a missing or murdered woman, and you would like to participate in any of the events, or speak during the vigil, please reach out to Amy at First Light (contact below).
This week is happening with the support of other partners including community members, the Indigenous Student Resource Centre at MUN, the Family Information Liaison Unit, the Correctional Service of Canada, Violence Prevention-Avalon East, the John Howard Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre.

Please find the schedule for events and vigil on First Light and SJSOWC social media.

For further information, please contact:
Amy Baxendale
Support Worker
Tel: (709) 725-2290
Email: [email protected]

The events leading up to the Sisters in Spirit- October 4th Vigil are as follows:

Wednesday, Sept. 30th
4:00-5:30PM Or 6:00-7:30PM Location: Cochrane Centre- 81 Cochrane St.
A quiet space will be provided where people can come together to honour and remember their loved ones. There will be opportunities to talk and do crafts. Some crafts included will be red dress beading, lantern making, painting, writing, drawing, colouring, tobacco ties, etc.

Thursday, Oct. 1st
4:00-5:30PM Or 6:00-7:30PM Location: Cochrane Centre- 81 Cochrane St.
A quiet space will be provided where people can come together to honour and remember their loved ones. There will be opportunities to talk and do crafts. Some crafts included will be red dress beading, lantern making, painting, writing, drawing, colouring, tobacco ties, etc.

Friday, Oct. 2nd
4:00-5:30PM Or 6:00-7:30PM Location: Cochrane Centre- 81 Cochrane St.
A quiet space will be provided where people can come together to honour and remember their loved ones. There will be opportunities to talk and do crafts. Some crafts included will be red dress beading, lantern making, painting, writing, drawing, colouring, tobacco ties, etc.

Saturday, Oct. 3rd
12:00-2:00PM Location: Bannerman Park
We will be meeting at Bannerman Park by the Gazebo that is across the street from Military Rd. We will be having a picnic and going for a walk in the park. Please note that you must bring your own blanket and food.

Saturday, Oct. 3rd
4:00-5:30PM Or 6:00-7:30PM Location: Cochrane Centre- 81 Cochrane St.
A quiet space will be provided where people can come together to honour and remember their loved ones. There will be opportunities to talk and do crafts. Some crafts included will be red dress beading, lantern making, painting, writing, drawing, colouring, tobacco ties, etc.

Sunday, Oct. 4th
5:00-8:00PM Location: Cochrane Centre – 81 Cochrane St.
The vigil will be held in the church at Cochrane Centre. Please feel free to bring something of your loved ones to be placed at the memory table.

Notice to family members:
If you would like to speak during the vigil, please contact Amy at First Light at [email protected] or (709) 725-2290. We ask that you try to limit your speaking time to 3 minutes so that everyone has an opportunity to speak.