A solemn vigil was held in Richmond on Friday to honour 14 women killed 35 years ago in a massacre and to bring awareness to violence against women.
About 75 people attended the candlelight vigil and march, including local politicians.
The ceremony, organized by the Richmond chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women, began with an opening by Elder Mary Point.
Several Richmond organizations were involved in the event, including Turning Point, Chimo, Richmond Women’s Resource Centre, Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise, Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition and the Shoebox Project.
“Each dignitary’s attendance underscored the importance of the occasion and the need for continued action to address violence against women,” said Sylvia Gwozd, president of the Richmond chapter, in a press release.
On Dec. 6, 1989, 14 women were killed and several more were injured when a gunman opened fire at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. In his suicide note, the gunman said feminism had ruined his life.
A poignant moment during the vigil was the reading of the names of the 14 women killed at École Polytechnique, followed by the lighting of candles in their memory, Gwozd added.
“This act of remembrance served as a powerful reminder of the lives lost and the work still to be done to achieve gender equity and safety for all.”
The march ended at Richmond City Hall, symbolizing “a shared commitment to action and community awareness.”
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