Thunder Bay, ON – On the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women (White Ribbon Day), the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) and Beendigen are honoured to raise the Wrapped in Courage flag in solidarity to end violence against women.
Thirty-two years ago on December 6, 1989, fourteen women were murdered, and ten women and four men were injured in the École Polytechnique massacre (Montreal massacre). Canadians must never forget and never stop the campaign to end violence against women and girls.
November was Woman Abuse Prevention Month, during which the Wrapped in Courage campaign mobilized Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters across Ontario to remind everyone that violence continues to be the greatest inequality rights issue for women and girls. Ontarians wore purple scarves in support of survivors who’ve had to endure gender-based violence in their homes, communities, and workplaces. The purple scarf is a symbol of the courage it takes to seek support and safety from violence. It takes the support of an entire community to end violence against women.
“Beendigen’s top priority is to be a safe space, a supportive place that Indigenous women can reach out to in times of crisis. Violence-Against-Women shelters play a vital role for survivors of violence. In addition to shelter, Beendigen provides advocacy, counselling, safety planning, education, programming, and resources to those who need support. We hope that when people see the Wrapped In Courage flag flying, it will be a reminder that we must come together as a community to combat gender-based violence and to support survivors.” Debra Vermette, Executive Director, Beendigen, President, ONWA
As we remember and honour the tragedy of the École Polytechnique massacre, we gather in Thunder Bay to raise the Wrapped in Courage flag.
“As we raise the flag today, we raise a call for action. The lives of Indigenous women, girls and children must not be forgotten in the flurry of competing daily headlines. The time for action is now.” Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA
Join live on Beendigen’s Facebook and/or ONWA’s Facebook for the official Wrapped in Courage flag raising: December 6, 2021 at 1:00 PM (EST).
For more information:
Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca
-30-
Beendigen
Beendigen provides free support and services to ensure women and children have a safe environment to live in, free from violence. They provide a confidential, safe, and supportive place where women can explore their options.
www.beendigen.com | Twitter: @BeendigenTbay | Facebook: Beendigen| Instagram: beendigen
Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a non-profit organization that empowers and supports all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy development and programs that focus on local, regional, and provincial activities, since 1971. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship, and economic development, sit at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural wellbeing for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best life.
www.onwa.ca | Twitter: @_ONWA_ | Facebook: ONWA7 | Instagram: onwa_official | LinkedIn: Ontario Native Women's Association