Media Advisory - Sisters in Spirit Vigil

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ -

WHAT:		Toronto's Sisters in Spirit Vigil to honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women across Canada
WHERE:		Allan Gardens Park, Toronto
WHEN:		Friday, October 4th, 2013, 6:30PM to 8:30PM

Toronto: On October 4th, 2013 women across Toronto will come together in Allen Gardens Park, to honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women across Canada at the Sisters in Spirit Vigil.

Mayor Rob Ford and the City of Toronto have recognized the 2013 Sisters In Spirit Vigil by proclaiming October 4, 2013 as Sisters In Spirit Day.

October 4th is a day where we honor the lives of over 600 missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls. The violence experienced by Aboriginal women and girls in Canada is a national tragedy and can no longer be ignored. Let us remember the tireless efforts of families who have inspired the SIS movement and who are the reason we all continue to honour the memories of our "Stolen Sisters".

The goal of the vigil is to:

• raise awareness of murdered and missing Aboriginal women and girls from our local communities.
• honour the lives of missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls
• support the grieving families and provide opportunities for healing

This year's vigil is hosted by the Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto and supported by:
- Native Earth Performing Arts					- METRAC (Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children)
-Council Fire Native					- Youth Sexual Health Network
- Elizabeth Fry Toronto					- No More Silence
- Friends of Allan Gardens					- Sistering
- Maggie's Toronto

VIGIL PROGRAM

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Sisters In Spirit Vigil
Program Agenda
October 4th, 2013

TIME	SPEAKER/CULTURE	NOTES
6:00 to 6:30 pm	Council Fire Drummers & Jingle Dress dancers Welcome Guests	Allen Gardens Park SE side
6:30-6:40 pm	Welcome from MC, Steve Teekens Introduce Elder Alex Jacobs	Executive Director at NA-ME-RES Elders Blessing
6:40 - 6:45pm	Councillor Mike Layton	Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina
6:45 - 6:50pm	Audrey Huntley	No More Silence
6:55 - 7:05pm	Cyndy Baskin	Professor of Social Work, Ryerson University
7:05-7:10pm	Sarah Yankoo	Youth speaker
7:10 - 7:20pm	Creative Writing Circle	Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto
7:20 - 7:25pm	Family of Loretta Lavalley	Family voice
7:25 - 7:35pm	Women's Hand drumming group	NWRCT
7:35-8:00pm	"Spirit" by Archer Pechawis	Native Earth Performing Arts
8:00-8:30pm	Open Mic	Community

SOURCE: Native Women's Resource Centre Of Toronto

For media inquiries, please contact Penny Deeth at Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto: [email protected]  or [phone] ex. 212. Up to the minute SIS Vigil information on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/405524479552184/