Women’s March for Missing and Murdered in Terrace today

Sunday, Feb 14th – Terrace, BC

An unofficial and last-minute march was held today in Terrace aligned with the 30th Annual Women’s Memorial March to honour murdered and missing Indigenous women.

The call by local organizer Hilary Lightening went out just the day before, on Saturday on social media, and the march was afoot at 11 am this morning to call attention to local MMIWG.

A dozen people walked, masked up and following COVID safety protocols, while a few drove along Highway-16 starting from the RCMP station to the commemorative pole at the edge of Highway-16 and back again. They want to remember and also remind people of the many that have disappeared along that highway.

Today’s march was not large, but with activity still allowed under COVID circumstances, those that came out wanted to honour this important cause even under today’s blustery and cold conditions.

“We’re just a group of people that wanted to get together and commemorate the day. There were a small group of people walking on the highway. We’re northerners and were bundled up and ready for the weather.” said Lightening.

There was a short but “uplifting” ceremony at the commemorative pole on Highway-16, with drumming and the singing of the “Women’s Warrior” song to keep the memories of the missing women alive.

“It didn’t feel right to not have a visual reminder or anything on this day. So I thought we could still do ‘something’, and so I put it out there yesterday.” Lightening continued. “So we safely masked up and marched. We want to remind our community of this really important day.”

This is the 30th year of the Women’s Memorial March which originated in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside in 1992. Since 1983, there have been a reported 61 cases of mostly Indigenous women who have gone missing from that area. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Memorial_March)

Lightning wished for more action by the city after many change items have been tabled, with many not being accomplished yet. Those items include improved cell service and more transportation options. “They keep talking about it, but there has been no meaningful action.” says Lightening.

Many are still missing.
But overall, today was an uplifting day.

Video

The march by foot and by car.

Gladys Radek on this march and others that honour missing women on Feb 14th.

Hilary Lightening on why she organized at the last minute.

The Women’s Warrior Song performed at the commemorative pole on Highway 16.