From TB Newswatch:
The 18th Valentine’s Day walk for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People was held on a cold Thursday evening in Thunder Bay. About 25 walkers and supporters gathered at The Bannock Lady restaurant at Intercity Shopping Centre for a sombre opening ceremony, prayer and remarks before the walk to a sacred fire at the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway.
Sharon Johnson started the commemorative walk 18 years ago and has been a longtime advocate for the Missing and Murdered, and their families. Sharlene Bourdeau and Kim Ducharme were subsequently asked to help co-organize the event; this year Jeanette Posine — the owner of The Bannock Lady — also joined those efforts.
Data from Statistics Canada shows that First Nations, Inuit and Métis are overrepresented among victims of violence in Canada. Additionally, the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls shows Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be missing or murdered than other women in this country.
The walk supports the victims and families of all Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and the current reality, Ducharme said, means continuing to walk every year is needed, as “the issue is still ongoing.”
“The walk is really important to this community,” Ducharme said. “I remember Sharon telling me one time that the families need a space to gather and heal together and share in community so that they don’t forget.”
“To me that’s what this walk represents — we’re not going to forget.”
See also:
- March to honour MMIWG2S on Valentine’s Day (CTV Calgary, February 2025)
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