The community of Devon gathered on May 5th at the Community Centre in solidarity to remember those who have been lost to violence against Indigenous women.
The MMIWG2S+ Day of Awareness in Devon’s Community Centre included a smudging and remembrance ceremony, along with a presentation by three panelists who shared their stories of loss. One of the speakers was Katherine Swampy, a representative of the Samson Cree Nation, and she spoke about the importance of the MMIW message.
“In the beginning, indigenous women didn’t matter. And when we were going missing or when we were being murdered, it felt as though nobody cared. And a large number of people are standing up today in solidarity saying indigenous women do matter,” says Swampy.
“You can’t just murder us, we can’t just go missing we matter and people need to come together and ensure we are protected.”
Chevy Rabbit, spoke not only about the MMIW, but also the murdered and missing Indigenous men and transgender indigenous people.
Holly Johnson-Rattlesnake, revealed that in the area of the Samson Cree Nation alone more men are either missing or murdered then the women. Johnson—Rattlesnake also spoke about how it affects many of the community members.
For more information visit the Samson Cree Nation Facebook page Samson Cree Nation | Facebook
Listen to the audio below: