Brandon University is partnering with the Women’s Resource Centre and will host a vigil to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:

On December 6, 1989, 13 female students and a female administrator at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal were murdered because they were women. The shocking impact of their deaths led Parliament to designate December 6 as a national day of remembrance. Nearly 30 years later, the effects of this tragedy continue to be felt and women remain targets because of their gender.

The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women is about remembering victims; it is also a time to take action. We each have the opportunity and the responsibility to stand up against misogyny, sexism, and hate — and it starts with creating a culture of respect.

As well as commemorating the 14 young women whose lives ended in an act of gender-based violence that shocked the nation, December 6 represents an opportunity for Canadians to reflect on the fact that women in Canada, and around the world, continue to face disproportionate levels of violence each and every day.

It is also an opportunity to consider the women and girls for whom violence is a daily reality, and to remember those who have died as a result of gender-based violence. Finally, it is a day for communities to consider concrete actions to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

— Status of Women Canada

Please join us in the Mingling Area for the following program:

• Words of Welcome: Bobi Stupack
• Traditional Prayer & Blessing: Elder Barb Blind
• Musical Performance: Sweet Medicine Singers
• Address from: Dr. Patricia Harms, Associate Professor, Gender & Women’s Studies; and History
• Address from: Dr. Rick Baker, Assistant Professor, Political Science
• Address from: Jenna English, BU Women’s Collective
• Names to be Remembered: Dr. Eftihia Mihelakis, Assistant Professor, Gender & Women’s Studies; and Languages
• Address from: BU Aboriginal Student Collective
• Moment of Silence
• Musical Performance:  Brandon University Chorale
• Closing Remarks: Bobi Stupack

Brandon University is committed to accessibility. Please contact Meghan Lamontagne at LamontagneM@BrandonU.ca or 204-727-9711 with any accessibility considerations, or to receive this communication in an alternate format.