London, Ontario February 14th, 2022 – Many people associate Valentine’s Day with a symbol of a heart to show love and affection. However, among Indigenous Nations our hearts remain broken with the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+. Across the Nation a number of memorials are taking place to honour those that are not with us today and to serve as a reminder, that justice has yet to be realized.
Grand Chief Joel Abram says “Each one of the women and girls that have been taken from us is another reminder of the injustice done to them. Today, the 31st Annual Women’s Memorial March is taking place in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and my heart walks with them even if I cannot be there physically. Until systemic racism is eliminated there will be more tears shed and we will raise our voices for those who cannot”.
Deputy Grand Chief Stacia Loft states “Our hearts today are heavy as we remember with an overwhelming sense of grief and loss, the mothers and daughters who won’t be able to hold each other again. The fact they are left with painful memories and empty arms is devastating enough, but when a country fails to recognize MMIWG2S+ as a crisis, then there is something seriously wrong.” The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians requests you take a moment today from celebrating with your loved ones, to show your support and reflect on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+.
