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New Legal Guide Provides Roadmap for Challenging Indigenous Rights Violations in Provincial Custody

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Sisters In Spirit

Sisters in Spirit

Each year on October 4, communities across Canada gather for Sisters in Spirit Vigils — a national movement to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+).

These vigils are powerful acts of remembrance and resistance. They hold space for grief, love, and collective action, while demanding justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.

What Sisters in Spirit Means

The Sisters in Spirit initiative began in 2004 through the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). Its research and advocacy revealed the scope of systemic violence and documented over 582 missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

Since then, vigils have been held every October 4th across the country. Families, survivors, and communities gather to share memories, raise awareness, and stand together in solidarity.

While many people assume these tragedies happen elsewhere, Newfoundland and Labrador has also lost Indigenous women and girls to violence. Sisters in Spirit Vigils affirm that our loved ones matter, that our grief is shared, and that our voices will not be silenced.

Our Commitment at First Light

At First Light, we honour Sisters in Spirit through gatherings that centre ceremony, remembrance, and community care.

We are committed to amplifying voices, holding space for families, and working toward a future where all Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people are safe, valued, and protected.

For more about Red Dress Day (May 5) and how it connects to this movement, please visit our Red Dress Day page.

Learn More

Download our 1-pager resource here:

How You Can Take Part

  • Attend or host a Sisters in Spirit Vigil on October 4
  • Educate yourself and others using the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+
  • Visit our Red Dress Day page to learn how these two movements are connected
  • Support Indigenous-led organizations working on the frontlines of this issue

Gathering: Share your Vision

First Light and the St. John’s Status of Women Council are co-hosting a community gathering in the months leading up to our annual Sisters in Spirit vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). This vigil takes place on October 4th every year, and this summer we are gathering survivors, families and loved ones to come together and share in a space of community and understanding. 

By gathering together, we want to create a space of caring where you can help shape the event and share what it means to you.

Registration for this event is not required, but doing so will help us prepare as much as we can.

There will be light refreshments on site. If you would like to share your feedback about the Sisters in Spirit vigil, but cannot attend this event, please do so through this feedback form

SHARE YOUR VISION

The National Inquiry: Report Findings

In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls outlined 231 Calls for Justice. These are not just recommendations — they are legal and moral obligations aimed at addressing the deep-rooted causes of violence against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people.

The Calls for Justice demand action — from governments, institutions, and all people in Canada — to build a future where Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people are safe and supported.

Support

If you, or someone you know is experiencing signs of distress, don’t hesitate to reach out to services available 24/7/365: