This Friday, the Richmond chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) will commemorate women who have died due to violence.
The ceremony and march on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, Dec. 6, coincides with the killing of 14 women at the Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal 35 years ago.
On Dec. 6, 1989, a gunman walked into the college, separated the women in the engineering program, and proceeded to shoot them before moving into other areas of the building. He ultimately killed 14 women and wounded 10 women and four men. In his suicide note, he blamed feminism for ruining his life.
The Richmond event on Friday, Dec. 6, includes an Indigenous welcome and acknowledgment by Elder Mary Point, introduction of dignitaries, a recitation of the 14 victims’ names, a candle-lighting ceremony and a community walk from the library plaza to the Minoru Seniors Centre to Richmond City Hall and back.
The march is meant to symbolize “hope and action against gender-based violence,” according to Sylvia Gwozd, president of the CFUW Richmond chapter.
“This day is not just about remembrance,” said Gwozd. “It’s a call to action to educate ourselves, speak out against harmful behaviours, and stand together against all forms of gender-based violence.”
The community is encouraged to wear orange, the colour representing the movement to end violence, and to bring a battery-operated candle for the ceremony.
The gathering starts at 10:30 a.m. at the steps of the Library Cultural Centre and the ceremony starts at 11 a.m.
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected]. To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter. Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
