41st PARLIAMENT, 1st SESSION
EDITED HANSARD • NUMBER 017
CONTENTS
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Aboriginal Affairs
Wow, they walked all the way from Victoria, that is amazing - that's 2228 miles (3586 km)! I admire these women so much.
Mr. Speaker, this week the Walk 4 Justice arrived in Ottawa after marching from Victoria to demand justice for missing and murdered Canadian aboriginal women. Sisters in Spirit has documented nearly 600 cases of missing and murdered aboriginal women, some 30 of which occurred as the march progressed across Canada.
New Democrats support calls by Amnesty International, KAIROS, Sisters in Spirit and the Native Women's Association of Canada for a plan of action that must include a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women; support for women's shelters and support services; and equal access for aboriginal women to housing, education and employment.
These daughters, mothers, aunts or sisters are loved and deserve to be valued. We must act now to ensure our aboriginal sisters are spared further violence and injustice.
"We are walking for our elders and our youth and children yet to come. Creator, we ask your help as we pave the road to a better future for our children. Protect them and nurture them to respect our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties and nieces as the life givers of society. Help our men to honor the women and to respect their lives as invaluable, equal partners in the cycle of life. Let our people gather in solidarity and stop these senseless crimes against humanity. Bless each and everyone as they walk for social change."
Gladys Radek & Bernie Williams: Cofounders of Walk4Justice
