Walk4Justice 2008 Headed for Parliament Hill

The Walk4Justice, a cross-country walk seeking justice and an end to the ongoing colonial violence that has resulted in 3000 indigenous women murdered and gone missing in northern Turtle Island in the last three decades, and which passed through Sudbury, will be reaching Ottawa by September 15th. Here is their media release:

*MEDIA ADVISORY *
For Immediate Release

WALK4JUSTICE 2008 For the Missing Murdered Women of Canada Presents Petition, Urges Inquiries at Parliament Hill, Ottawa Ontario

Monday September 15, 2008, a group of walkers from Vancouver, British Columbia, community activists and family members present the cases of over 3000 missing murdered women from communities across the country to the Government of Canada. A petition with well over 2900 signatures calling for public inquiries into these cases will be presented at this time.

The names of these 3000 + women to date will be presented to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, including case information, along with resolutions passed by Aboriginal Chiefs from British Columbia to the Atlantic Provinces, urging the call for a full public inquiry into the disappearances and deaths of women from all walks of life from urban and rural communities. Names of men are also included on this list. The list of names has been compiled over decades and has yet to be released in its entirety. This is the first occasion at which this information will be made public and follows on the heels of "The Apology" made to First Nations, Inuit and Metís residential school survivors, June 11, 2008.

Organizers of the walk and the full-time volunteer walkers who have made this journey, walking since June 21st, 2008, arrive in Ottawa, gathering at Minawaashin Lodge, 474 Catherine Street at 9:00 am EDST. Press and the public are invited to attend. The group will be joined by supporters and walkers, arriving first at 9:30 am at Human Rights Monument, 161 Elgin Avenue, continuing on to Parliament Hill for rally and further presentations at 10:00 am EDST. A press conference is scheduled at 11:00 am EDST in Press Room 130-S, Centre Block, House of Parliament.

Respected Elder William Commanda, Algonquin Nation, of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg will offer prayers to begin the dayÿÿs scheduled speakers and presentations, at 10:00 am EDST. Family members and representatives of the missing murdered women will have opportunities to address dignitaries and the public. Chiefs from several communities, including Chiefs from BC, Elijah Harper and other dignitaries will address the Government of Canada. Invited speakers will address systemic violence and abuses of authority leading to women becoming dispossessed and vulnerable to abuse. Status of Women Canada and representatives of Native Womenÿÿs Association will comment on the crimes women face in their communities. Members of Parliament who will offer support include Hon. Libby Davies,MP, Vancouver East and Hon. Jean Crowder, MP Nanaimo-Cowichan, Federal NDP Aboriginal Affairs Critic.
First Nations drumming and singing groups have been invited to support and take part.

Elders have made this journey, joined by youth, women, men, professionals, union representatives and family members who have been effected by loss and of their loved oneÿÿs violent deaths, including the children of murdered family members. Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, the Aboriginal Motherÿÿs Centre, Amnesty International, CUPE, CUPW, other labour groups, Aboriginal Friendship Centres and many organizations have provided financial and in-kind donations to support this Walk4Justice initiative. Hundreds of citizens have taken part in presentations made to communities as Walkers traveled, many making financial contributions to ensure success of Walk4Justiceÿÿs goal of representing the lives and voices of women who are loved and missed. New cases have occurred as Walk4Justice has traveled the country. These womenÿÿs cases are added to the disturbing tally that continues to grow.



Contact: Gladys Radek 1-778.839-0072
Bernie Williams 1-604.880-3650

media or general inquiries may be sent to
Gladys Radek : walk4justice2008@yahoo.ca
or Don Knight: decarostudio@shaw.ca

If you are in Ottawa, please go out and support them!