Honouring MMIWG: emotional walk and healing in Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — In an incredible display of spirituality, emotion and unwavering support, Indigenous groups hosted a walk honouring Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) on Friday, October 4th at the Treaty 8 Tribal Association offices in Fort St. John.

The rainy weather didn’t dampen the message. Attendees wore ribbon skirts, held signs, and walked in red ponchos, hoping to emphasize the importance of recognizing MMIWG to the Indigenous community.

Delvin Mooswah of Duncan’s First Nation in Peace River, Alberta, started the ceremonies with a pipe ceremony.  

This was followed by a walk downhill westward down 102nd Street, crossing 95th Avenue before heading back east toward Treaty 8.  

The group’s pathway was led by Mooswah, who sang and played instruments supporting their footsteps.

He feels it is important to continue discussing, supporting and uplifting the lives of those affected by the traumatic loss from MMIWG.

“When we learn from experience, whether it’s traumatic, whether it’s sad, whether it’s whatever we get from it, it’s [so we can] help the next person, our next generation,” said Mooswah.

“We got two gifts from the creator, true love and unconditional love. True love is his love. That’s why we’re given this life. We experience that, we find it, but we also lose it. You know, we lose that unconditional love at times, but it’s up for us, whether we choose to learn from it or not.”

Lunch and a discussion followed, with parties who were able to tell their stories of abuse, grief, and loss. 

One attendee, Tammy Watson of Saulteau First Nations, says generations of loss in her family caused her anxiety and grief.

She says the event, held on the 20th anniversary of the release of Amnesty International’s “Stolen Sisters” report, was “important in continuing her healing journey.”

“It takes some time for me to just calm myself down after sharing my story,” an emotional Watson told energeticcity.ca. “But it’s also very empowering. I appreciate the Treaty 8 Tribal Association for making this event happen.”

“Every time we can gather to share our stories and to remember those women and girls lost to violence in our country is a good thing.  We have to remember and prevent it in the future.”

According to Connie Greyeyes, MMIWG coordinator for the Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society (IRSSS)  and event organizer, the turnout at the event showed that the very important topic of MMIWG “helps heal everyone” within the Indigenous community.

“There’s an old adage that when one of us shares our story, our pain, that we help others heal in that aspect,” said Greyeyes. “It’s so important on a day that honors and acknowledges MMIWG across Canada that we have family members share something so traumatic and painful.”

“It matters that your loved one is missing, or that your loved one has been murdered. We’re here for you. We’re here to support you. To have so many people come out and wearing our traditional wear and just gather and share a meal.”

For more information about MMIWG and to find further support, please visit the IRSSS website or Treaty 8 Tribal Association website.