The Named and the Unnamed  by Rebecca Belmore

Montreal – October 23, 2014 – UFCW Canada activists recently joined with hundreds of members of indigenous organizations, community groups and the labour movement for Take Back the Night for Aboriginal Women held at Émilie-Gamelin Park in Montreal. Participants gathered at dusk on October 4, for a candlelit vigil to remember and commemorate Aboriginal women who have been the victims of violence, and to renew the call for a national inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls.

Union members came together with First Nations leaders, as well as representatives from Amnesty International and the women’s movement in Quebec, to not only remember, but to demand action on the political, environmental and socio-economic issues that affect Aboriginal women. An installation entitled “Fringe” by Canadian artist Rebecca Belmore was also unveiled, symbolizing the fight to end violence against Aboriginal women. Participants at the event collectively made three key demands: denounce indifference, call for a national inquiry, and engage Quebec women in the struggle for decolonization.

As Canada’s most progressive union, UFCW Canada is in the forefront of the movement for justice for Aboriginal peoples in Canada. We have continuously called on the Harper government to launch an inquiry into missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. UFCW Canada is also an active participant in a national campaign for equal access to education and social servicesfor First Nations children.

“It is an absolute disgrace that the Harper administration is continuing to ignore the urgent plight facing Aboriginal women and children in Canada,” says Paul Meinema, “Our union will continue to support and join with every person and every organization demanding justice for Aboriginal peoples.”