Ermineskin Women’s Shelter is hosting a walk in recognition of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) on May 5.
“We’ve had at least two deaths in the community over the last year of women,” said Sheila Johansen, child support worker with the shelter.
“We are welcoming anyone who wants to join in,” she said, adding they’re inviting people to wear red.
The walkers will gather at the Lucky Dollar Food store at 10 a.m. and proceed along Highway 2A to the Neyaskweyahk Okimaw Kamik (NOK) Ermineskin community hall. They will be escorted by RCMP members.
The four band chiefs are expected to speak, along with local advocate Chevi Rabbit.
Bagged lunches will be provided to the first 100 people.
The walk is to remember victims from Maskwacis and beyond, said Johansen.
Those who would like to participate but aren’t able to walk the distance may follow the walk in a vehicle.
There will also be a transit van available to transport people.
A horse-drawn wagon will be used to carry drummers along the route, with possibly elders as well.
The shelter holds an event annual on May 5 in honour of MMIWG, though it’s something different each year and it changed during COVID-19 as well.
May 5 is National Day of Awareness and Action for MMIWG, also known as Red Dress Day.