Supporters walk for MMIW on Mother's Day in Regina
'It’s important to hold these kind of events to make that sure we remember,' says organizer
About 50 people in Regina spent part of Sunday remembering those missing and murdered Indigenous women who cannot celebrate Mother's Day with their families.
For a third year in a row, the Public Service Alliance Canada Southern Regional Women's Committee organized a walk to remember Indigenous women and girls who have been murdered or are still missing
"It's a special day," said organizer Michelle Lang.
"I can celebrate Mother's Day with my child at home or wherever I choose to take her. I can celebrate with my mom, and some people don't have that choice because their loved ones are missing or they're gone."
The RCMP have said that 1,017 Indigenous women were killed between 1980 and 2012. Activists estimate that number is much higher.
People gathered at Saskatchewan's legislature before the walk and listened to an elder pray and a song performed in tribute to victims.
'It isn't going away'
Afterwards, Lang called on the federal government to make progress on a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women.
"This isn't gone away and it isn't going away," said Lang of the issue.
"It's important to hold these kind of events to make sure that we remember the ones that are lost and the ones that were stolen from us."