Supporting the 34th Annual Women’s Memorial March
On February 14, IRSSS joined the Women’s Memorial March in Vancouver – a powerful annual gathering that began in 1992 to honour and remember loved ones who have gone missing or lost their lives in the Downtown Eastside. Over the years, this march has grown into a nationwide movement, creating space for communities to grieve, remember, and demand justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+).
Our staff was on the ground, providing cultural and emotional support to attendees and offering access to traditional medicines such as smudging and cedar brushings. By ensuring access to culturally safe support, IRSSS and similar community organizations help reduce barriers for those who wish to participate, creating space for healing and collective strength.
"I'd like to acknowledge the gratitude I feel for being asked to offer emotional and cultural support at the 34th Annual MMIWG2S+ Memorial March. It shows that the community knows that our team at IRSSS is safe, trauma informed, and culturally appropriate. Providing support that is culturally safe, meaningful, and accessible for this event is important because it responds to some of the Calls for Justice that MMIWG2S+ impacted communities recommended in their Final Report on the National Inquiry to Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls, and I'm grateful to help implement some of those recommendations.” – Alexandra O’Donaghey, IRSSS MMIWG Coordinator
“The content can be heavy, but whenever I hear feedback, people tell me that they feel lighter after being brushed. I bring cedar wherever I need to because these services aren’t offered by everyone else. Being at the Women’s Memorial March brings the medicine to so many people who would otherwise not have access. It was very well utilized, which is why I know the need was there.” – Stephanie Pennier, IRSSS Resolution Health Support Worker
If you or someone you know has been impacted by MMIWG2S+, IRSSS offers culturally grounded, trauma-informed support, including practical, emotional, and cultural assistance.
We rely on the generosity of those who care about this cause to continue our vital work. Consider making a donation to help us reach more Survivors and families in need.
Resources for learning more:
Book – “Highway of Tears” by Jessica McDiarmid
Organization – Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC)
CBC Podcast – “Missing and Murdered” hosted by Connie Walker