By David P. Ball
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Dalannah Gail Bowen left this year's Women's Memorial March feeling a powerful sense of community, ceremony and comfort. As one of the original organizers of the annual event -- which this year marked its 30 year anniversary -- she wanted to convey a message of comfort to the countless families and loved ones of missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Last week, she released her latest song, "A Lullaby for Missing and Murdered Women," and said it's a song of comfort, healing, and a recognition that despite the sorrow and injustice, she hopes those suffering can find a sense of peace and love through the pain.

The Cherokee and Afro-Canadian artist is a renowned blues singer who has opened for BB King, the Monkees and many other renowned acts, and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame. She's also executive director of the DTES Centre for the Arts.

She spoke to The Pulse on CFRO about what this pandemic year has taught her as an artist and activist, saying the power of community and support is tangible in the Downtown Eastside, and hopes this year will force systems to finally change after years of refusal to confront injustices.