Dear Editor
This letter is in response to the non-response to the Nation-to-Nation New Year’s Eve missing and murdered indigenous women candle light vigil across the land that was announced on social media and hosted by Kendall Wood and Darrel Wood.
The call out began about a week before Dec. 31 to give people time to plan and organize.
I remember seeing an article in the Regional Optimist(Nov. 27) some weeks ago that city council had a meeting on this very topic. I remember the article because I was somewhat disturbed at my not knowing of this meeting. Why wasn’t the public of North Battleford informed of this very important issue? Who do you have to know in order to be “in the know?” I for one would have loved to sit in on the discussion.
I have lived in North Battleford all my life and I see myself as a concerned citizen when it comes to issues that affect indigenous people.
So when the call out came, I thought there would be more interest from our community and/or city council in the vigil. I waited and waited for some sort of response, from anybody. But none came. Time kept ticking and still no action from North Battleford. Finally at 3 p.m. Dec. 30 I decided to take it upon myself to light a candle in Central Park. I announced it on the page, I announced it to the Facebook page of News-Optimist, again with no response from North Battleford.
I asked my friend Connie to come out with me as she had lost a dear niece earlier in 2014, the late Courtney Johnstone. Connie agreed.
The time for the Nation-to-Nation Vigil was set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. but due to the non-response, we decided on 6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
So I made a poster, bought a red candle and a mutual friend decided to come out and join us.
We picked a spot sheltered from the wind by the trees. Said a prayer and laid tobacco. We shared some stories while the red candle burned bright. Vehicles cruised the streets and no one came to see what we were doing.
I snapped a photo for the Facebook page and uploaded it. I still have the poster, which has red candle wax dripped onto the word “missing.”
The three of us agreed next time we will be more prepared, even if it is only the three of us again.
Personally, for council to have a discussion or meeting on MMIW and then to not show interest in a candle light vigil sends mixed messages. Are they doing their “circle” for funding?
If the concern is not truly from the hearts of all individuals involved it will not work. These women are or were real people, not characters in a play to be ignored until the time suits whoever.
I am not out to point fingers or demean anyone. I felt “somebody” had to say something, to speak up for all who are affected by MMIW everywhere.
If city council is serious about it, then let’s get together and have open discussions, if not - do not play with the spirit world. It’s about respect.
Lori R. Nicotine
North Battleford
