Skip to content

Candlight vigil helds for Women’s Day

50015smitherscandlelightvigil
A candlight vigil was held last week as part of International Women's Day celebrations.

“Precious memories, unseen angel, sent from somewhere to my soul.

How they linger, ever near me, and the sacred past unfolds.”

That’s all Brenda Wilson has left of her sister Ramona, but this doesn’t have to be someone else’s pain.

Wilson was singing the song “Precious Memories” at last weeks’ celebration for International Women’s Day, held at the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre.

Ramona would have been 32 this year, Wilson said, perhaps a psychologist as was her high school dream.

“What I’ve done to be strong, is to stand here,” Wilson told the assembled crowd who gathered to celebrate, but also to remember.

To remember all the women who have gone missing, especially along the Highway of Tears. After all, our first right is to be safe, but it’s one we have to safe guard. To this day Wilson and her family have no clue what happened to their loved one.

“Always think about your safety,” Wilson said.  Working as a pre-school teacher, Wilson’s biggest wish is to never see one of their faces on a poster one day.

After Wilson’s speech, all gathered held a candle-lit vigil for those missing, but the night wasn’t just about those missing.

Event organizers  said it’s to empower all women.