On October 4th, people across Canada gathered to remember and honor the missing and murdered among us. Sisters in Spirit is an initiative of the Native Women’s Association of Canada who state “the violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy.” National vigils, now over 200, take many forms … Continue reading “Sisters in Spirit ~ Voices for the Voiceless”
Today I am honoring Survival with excerpts from a longer poem by Edmonton’s Rachel Manichoose. (Image from Clipart) You took my innocence before I knew what innocence was I surrendered my sexuality before … Continue reading “Beyond Surviving”
In 1997, September 1st was a Monday and I missed the evening news as we had company. The first I heard of an unidentified body being found was the next morning when the radio came on to wake me for work. I rushed to the front door for the paper and this is the picture … Continue reading “The Day My World Changed Forever”
When I first saw this post, I read it backwards. Of course, impatient angry words issued in haste can cause wounds in those who hear them. That is why we must be careful to sift negative thoughts and feelings before we speak. We all respond best to encouragement, non-judgement and acceptance. What I read is … Continue reading “Words the size of a wound”
On August 14, 1994, a young woman named Karen Lewis was murdered and her body thrown in a dumpster. For several years after her death, Calgarians gathered to remember Karen and other women who were murdered. In 1999, Edmonton survivors, grieving parents, and CEASE Board members decided to hold a similar event. The first Edmonton … Continue reading “Memorial 2018”
I drove downtown to see my new billboard. It is posted on the SE corner of 111 Ave and 97 Street, best viewed travelling east or south. Standing a few feet away, her back to me, was a slim girl carrying a sign. She walked up and down the street a couple time before I … Continue reading “Faces of Vulnerability”
Today, the Monday of Heritage Day weekend, I forgot it was a civic holiday rather than a Stat holiday until a service man rang the doorbell. Of course, it was a civic holiday and my mind flooded with memories from twenty-one years ago. In 1997, the first Monday was August 4th. I was employed by … Continue reading “MISSING”
July 30 is set aside as a day to remember the victims of human trafficking around the world and, hopefully, to commit to prevention. A few participating sites are acknowledged: Joysmithfoundation.com states that even in Canada, 93% of the victims are Canadian citizens. Human slavery is a terrible violation and we are all citizens of … Continue reading “World Against Human Trafficking Day”
Jamie Black Untitled she trained her fingers to untie all the places she was bound trained her attention on a leaf its trembling at the touch of the wind dancing … Continue reading “Resilience ~ National Billboard Exhibition Project: June~August 2018”
My darling Cara, I visited your grave site today. I don’t go regularly because you are with me in many places. Still your special place in the cemetery is a public symbol that you are remembered, that you lived, and that you deserve to be honored in a peaceful setting. My heart goes out to … Continue reading “June 28 ~ Midway between birthdays ~ Remembering Gloria Gladue and Myrah Whitstone”
