Regina, Canada – Dozens of individuals gathered in Regina on Wednesday to pay tribute to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, as well as transgender, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals. The annual Sisters in Spirit Walk brought together both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who were eager to commemorate those lost.

The event kicked off with a brief program that included an elder’s prayer, statements from the police services, and singing. Melina Georgiaodu, an immigrant from Greece, expressed her desire to participate in order to honor the memory of those lost or killed from the Indigenous community. She shared, “I am walking for this unknown person who is missing but not forgotten.”

In a symbolic gesture representing lost lives, the names of missing and murdered Indigenous women were inscribed on paper and securely fastened to a white rose. The visual display served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice.

Rhonda Fiddlar of the Regina Police Service emphasized the significance of events like the Sisters in Spirit Walk. She stated that they provide reassurance to grieving families, conveying the message that their loved ones are not forgotten. Fiddlar added, “We acknowledge the loss and murder of your loved one, and we are here to support you in any way you need.”

The Sisters in Spirit Walk serves as a platform for raising awareness about the ongoing issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls. By bringing together diverse communities, it strengthens the collective voice advocating for justice and change.

In conclusion, the annual Sisters in Spirit Walk in Regina united individuals from all backgrounds to honor the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, as well as transgender, two-spirit, and gender-diverse individuals. This event emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting grieving families while striving for justice in a society plagued by violence against these marginalized groups.