(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

MMIWG2S+

Melfort MMIWG2S+ Walk raises awareness, brings people together

Jun 4, 2024 | 2:06 PM

The smell of sage filled the air as a large crowd gathered to show their support for those missing or murdered across Canada.

The second annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit Plus Walk (MMIWG2S+) Walk in Melfort was held at the Kerry Vickar Centre (KVC) Friday, after the recent wet conditions caused the event to move from Memorial Gardens.

The weather didn’t dampen spirits, and the rain held off as the crowd made their way from the KVC to Main St., down Crawford Ave. E, and back to the KVC.

Leading the way was an RCMP delegation, local chiefs, and the drum group Digging Bear from James Smith Cree Nation.

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Syndel Thomas Kosar is a Resolution Support Worker at the Marguerite Riel Centre. She told northeastNOW it was amazing to see how many people turned out to support the cause.

Despite the somber nature of the crisis, the MMIWG2S+ walk in Melfort was one of fellowship, smiles, and hugs. Thomas Kosar said that is a testament to the Indigenous community.

“Even when we’re dealing with heavy subjects like this, it’s always about laughing, healing, and coming together,” she said.

(Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

Shortly after the walk, Thomas Kosar read a poem that she wrote about the MMIWG2S+ crisis, while local musician Kevin Arcand performed his song that was inspired by the event.

A display showed just a few of the missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls from Saskatchewan.

The front of a display of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit + individuals from Saskatchewan. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

The back of the same display. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

“It’s definitely a huge problem and a big…issue, but I’m happy that we can have the opportunity to address some of that and build awareness here in Melfort,” said Thomas Kosar.

A youth art installation was also set up as part of a project in collaboration with Grade 11 and 12 students at Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate (MUCC).

When asked what people can do to feel like they’re making a difference, Thomas Kosar said the first thing is to admit that the crisis exists. She added the rate of Indigenous women who have gone missing or have been killed is much higher than average.

“We need to recognize that, and…educate yourself and do everything you can and show up to events like this.”

Thomas Kosar said anyone with more questions about how the crisis, or ways they can help, can go to the Marguerite Riel Centre.

Red Dress Day is May 5, and red dresses will be displayed at Memorial Gardens until May 17.

(Red Dresses will be displayed at Memorial Gardens in Melfort for the next couple of weeks. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK