Memorial March goes into downtown Prince George

The annual Prince George Women’s Memorial March started at the Native Friendship Centre’s front entrance and finished at the Prince George Court House on Wednesday.

There were about 100 people gathered to join in the march that is always held on Feb. 14 to commemorate and honour the lives of those lost and call for action as Indigenous women and girls continue to be disproportionally lost and affected by gender-based violence.

Lheidli T’enneh Elder Darlene McIntosh said a few words of welcome to start the chilly event.

“You would not believe the community support and the number of organizations coming out and the big planning around this event to acknowledge and raise awareness for the murdered and missing women and to keep that conversation going because it’s so very important to do that,” Elder McIntosh said. “Many of us are wearing red and this is all about Red Dress Day and the Memorial Walk and it’s about creating support for women and men – because we don’t talk about the men who go missing. And it’s so important to Indigenous people and also to bring awareness to the general community and that’s why we’re here.”

 Andreen Anderson, member of the Haisla Nation in Kitimat, thought it was important to be part of such an important event.

“It’s important to support the families of those who have gone missing,” Anderson said. “All our communities along the Highway of Tears are very closeknit. A lot of people have been suffering and trying to find answers so bringing more awareness to what’s happening is important.”