Thread by @LeahGazan

1/9 February 14 marks the Annuall Memorial March in honour of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls & 2SLGBTQQIA. It is also a day to lift up grassroots efforts, the voices of survivors of violence, communities and family members who have lost loved ones to this genocide.

2/9 This is an important day to demonstrate our strength, resiliency and collective power in the face of systems, rooted in colonial violence, that continue to place us at greater risk for violence.

3/9 Unfortunately, our voices have often been met with inaction and sometimes apathy from authorities who have the power to act, but fail to do so, as if our life or loss of life is of no significance

4/9 As we witness the current illegal occupation in Ottawa, it is becoming more clear to the public that systems designed to protect us are riddled with biases, racism, & white supremacy.This was noted by the National Inquiry Into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and girls.

5/9 In spite of these struggles, we continue to stand in strong resistance to seek justice,change systems, and elevate our voices. We do not stay silent in the face of colonial violence; may it be passive or aggressive, to let the world know that we are here, and we are loved.

6/9 And that our daughters, sisters, mothers, and aunties are sacred and loved. We affirm that our lives are of equal value, even though we receive constant reminders from authorities and political powers that we are not.

7/9 This has allowed us not only to survive, but in some cases thrive because we are descendants of powerful ancestors whose resiliency has gifted us with the ability to walk gently on our beautiful Mother Earth.

8/9 As we March today or find other ways to honour our sisters, aunties, grandmothers, daughters, and 2SLGBTQQIA relatives, let us send our love to those recovering from the impacts of violence, relatives we continue to search for, and eternal power to those we have lost.

9/9 We will not be silenced, marginalized, or abused. We are powerful in all our beauty and strength. Solidarity and love

Leah