On the morning of June 21, 2017, Sioux Valley members gathered in front of the Sioux Valley Health Centre to take part in the 5th Annual Walk Against Violence. Born as a memorial walk in honor of Heather Merrick who tragically lost her life more than 30 years ago in a case that still remains unsolved. Several Sioux Valley members took part in the event this morning, some walking, some on bike or horseback, and some taking advantage of the horse drawn wagon.
Despite cloudy skies and falling rain, the walk began outside the Sioux Valley Health Centre and proceeded to the memorial site in the south central area of Sioux Valley. Even a sudden downpour did not deter the determined walkers. Upon arrival, several words were shared, mostly encouragement to teach our children a better way of life. We need to teach our young men to respect women and to protect them, and we need to teach our young women to respect themselves and speak up when they are in danger. After prayers, offerings and an honor song, attendees returned on the same route to Sioux Valley Veterans Hall for a feast and to hear Brandon Friendship Centre speaker Roberta McKinney talk about violence against women and to share some personal stories.
Sioux Valley remains committed to its annual walks and to educating about violence as well as the thousands of missing and murdered aboriginal women across Canada.
