A large group of people gathered in Yarmouth’s Frost Park last night for a very solemn occasion.
Yesterday marked the 27th anniversary of the Montreal massacre when 14 women were gunned down at
Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique.
A candlelight vigil was held in the park to observe the National Day of Remembrance and action on violence against women.
Candlelight Vigil in Frost Park commemorating National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. pic.twitter.com/OqOsas66TH
— Y95 – CJLS (@CJLSRadio) December 6, 2016
Marilyn Francis of the Acadia First Nation said it gave her and other women strength to know that vigils were being held
across Canada.
“It is all straight across Canada, every community. I know there is something going on to honour the women and the families, and to pray for the families for the strength and the courage to go on.”
Francis encouraged women to listen to their heart.
“People always think with their head, but sometimes you have to listen to your heart, because the heart is never wrong. When you feel something is not right, that’s your spirit guide telling you to listen to it and take action.”
A traditional Mi’kmaq song was sung and flowers and a wreath were laid at the monument honouring women who have been
victims of violence.
The vigil is organized each year by the South West Labour Group.
According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, on any given night in Canada, 3,491 women and their 2,724 children sleep in
shelters because it isn’t safe at home.
