Heather Conlin (right), President of Southport chapter of the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) at Coulter Parkette December 6 where a vigil was held in honour of the 14 women murdered 28 years ago at the École Polytechnique.

Hub Staff

Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte and Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz were remembered 28 years after their murders known as the École Polytechnique massacre during a vigil at Coulter Parkette, December 6.

The vigil was hosted by the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Southport chapter and despite frigid temperatures crowds were estimated around 80 including CFUW members, Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), speakers from Victim Services Bruce Grey Perth, members of Saugeen Shores Council and members of the Chantry Singers who performed “Hallelujah”. A total of $625 was collected for the Women's House Serving Bruce and Grey and the Kabaeshiwin Respite Women's Shelter. 

Following a prayer to end violence by SON Elder Marie Mason, Lori Kewaquom, SON Cultural Wellness Coordinator, said it is important to work together as abuse - both mental and physical - happens to everyone. “You need to walk the talk,” said Kewaquom. “We need to empower them to stand up and make that choice to be free from whatever it is that is causing their pain.” Kewaquom stressed that abuse does not solely affect women, but also men, and all ages. “If you look at the medicine wheel it affects all ways: psychologically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Sometimes we won't always see the marks from the violence or the abuse that happens, sometimes it’s inside,” she said.

Kim Wildeman of Victim Services, which serves victims and their families around the clock, said that not everyone is immune to violence and read what can only be described as heartbreaking statistics from Victim Services cases in 2016-2017. Wildeman said that Victim Services received 827 calls in the past two years which affected 1,759 victims. Out of the 827 calls 411 were for sexual violence, abuse, human trafficking, harassment, and homicide. Of that number 88 percent targeted women and children.

The 14 women lost to the massacre 28 years ago were killed because they were women and following the vigil where community members took the time to read each of their names and offer a short biography, CFUW Southport Secretary and Vigil Planning Chair Pat Sanagan remarked on the timing of TIME magazine’s Person of the Year for 2017, the “Silence Breakers”, victims of abuse and assault who have come forward, together with the trending #metoo hashtag.

TIME calls it a “reckoning” and says that although it appears to have sprung up overnight, it has been simmering for "years, decades, centuries." 

“I think it’s a really good indication that perhaps we’re maybe at a tipping point,” said Sanagan. “It’s acknowledging the women that actually came forward [as] the silence breakers. It says to the world that this is an important,” she said.

“Hopefully we will be safe now,” Sanagan added.

Lori Kewaquom, Saugeen Ojibway Nation Cultural Wellness Coordinator, told the crowd to give others strength, and come together to build relationships and support one another.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith along with 13 other people read each of the names of the 14 women murdered 28 years ago.

Kim Wildeman of Victim Services Grey Bruce Perth offered the crowed some facts from the services offered.

Conducted by Anne Little the Chantry Singers performed “Hallelujah” with many voices from the crowd singing along, at the CFUW vigil at Coulter Parkette December 6.