[Indigsol] Walk4Justice press release re:Sept15

[Greg Macdougall]

(note: this is not from IPSMO)

*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 day's 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 Women's 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 one's violent deaths, including
the children of murdered family members. Union of British Columbia
Indian Chiefs, the Aboriginal Mother's 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 Walk4Justice' s
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 women's 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

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