Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

By: Jaclyn Hall

December 6th has been designated as Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The date was chosen to honor and remember all women who are victims of gender-based violence. When a group of young women were violently murdered at their school, l" Ecole Polytechnique, on December 6th, 1989 because of their gender; it made Canadians realize that gender-based violence can happen to anyone. Since 1991, December 6th has become a day of remembrance and reflection.

Recently, the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women has been gaining national attention and has been included in December 6th's day of remembrance. The day is inclusive of all females who have fell victim to gender based violence, not only Indigenous women, but to also reflect on the troubling fact that for girls and women of all backgrounds and ethnicity and LGBTQ2 individuals across the country, violence continues to be a daily reality. Violence that will impact on their physical, sexual and reproductive health. The National Day of Remembrance is a reminder that anyone can be a target of gender-based violence and that education is key to seeking real justice. The Akwesasne Family Wellness Program organized their first candlelit vigil outside of the Peace Tree Mall.

Organizer, Patrick Dussaulte stated, "Gender Based Violence is so new, that there isn't any education pamphlets or handouts created by the Government of Canada yet. When I called their office, they were so excited that we were doing this, they asked for a copy of whatever handouts we made. Akwesasne is leading the way when it comes to educating the masses on gender-based violence. We have been posting new information and statistics on our social media page, all month, as a way to share more information."

As soon as the sun went down, community members began to gather outside the Peace Tree Mall, taking part in discussions relating to gender based violence and how it relates to Akwesasne. In spite of being a matrilineal society, Akwesasne is far from being exempt from experiencing Gender Based Violence. While many women, children and men become survivors, some are not so lucky. The ones who have lost their lives due to Gender Based Violence need to be remembered and survivors need people advocating for justice on their behalf.

The vigil was a reminder that there is still much work to be done in Akwesasne alone. It appears the Canadian government has taken notice of Akwesasne Family Wellness Program's efforts to educate people on gender-based violence.