Thursday, May 5 at 7pm, Fernwood Square (Fernwood Road at Gladstone Avenue)
On May 5, the Belfry Theatre will be hosting a ceremony and candlelight vigil in honour of the National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse People.
The ceremony will start with a prayer song and welcoming song by the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers.
Cecilia Dick from the Songhees Nation will be the MC and the speakers include:
Carla Voyageur, founder of the Lil’ Red Dress Project
The Lil’ Red Dress Project’s team of volunteers creates beaded “red dress” pins and earrings to bring awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Sage Lacerte and David Stevenson from the Moose Hide Campaign
Moose Hide Campaign Day (May 12) is a day of ceremony where all Canadians are called to join to take a stand against violence towards women and children and to take practical steps for our collective journey of reconciliation.
Rande Cook, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist
Following the speakers, there will be a Ladies Dance by Kwakwaka’wakw and at 8:30pm there will be a moment of silence and begin to light the candles.
A closing dance by the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers will end the ceremony.
Everyone is welcome to attend. No reservations or tickets are required. There will be reserved designated seating for Elders.
More info at belfry.bc.ca/honouring-our-sisters-and-lgbtq2-in-spirit-candlelight-vigil/
