There was a full house in attendance at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre’s Graham Field House October 4 for the Bonnyville Friendship Centre’s (BFC’s) annual MMIWG+ and Truth and Reconciliation event.
“Our aim was to bring together survivors, advocates, and community members to honour the memory of murdered and missing indigenous women and girls, and foster meaningful dialogue,” said Janet Gobert, BFC’s chief executive director.
“I think we actually accomplished that,” Gobert said.
The evening included cultural performances and a banquet supper. Survivors of violence, including Gobert, shared their stories. Featured speakers were Jeannette MacInnis, director of strategic partnership and public relations for the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association; and musician Beatrice Love.
Both shared their experiences of surviving violence and abuse. Each had a different story about overcoming the trauma.
While many stories of violence and abuse have an alarming pattern, they are also individual and highly personal, Gobert acknowledged. She says it was important for MacInnis and Love to share their experiences—not just as victims of violence, but as survivors.
“By having the caliber of speakers that we had, I think that really facilitated the ongoing relationships we have within the community so they can understand,” Gobert said.
“The more community support and collaboration we have, not just with community members but with other agencies as well, then we can actually see tangible change within our community in regard to that issue,” she said.
At the end of the evening attendees were invited to tie orange ribbons on teepee poles in the middle of the hall, in remembrance of those who have been murdered or are missing. It was a sombre and emotional moment.
Gobert said it was important to offer people the opportunity for a personal gesture.
“You can truly see that this was personal for them, and to be able to give them the opportunity to know that yes, we do recognize you. I think that spoke a lot,” she said.
She added that the attendance at the event underlines that violence is a community-wide issue.
“It has gained momentum over the last three years, but to see that full house and the support there was absolutely surreal,” she said.
“I really think that anybody attending that night could truly see the solidarity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.”
