Saskatchewan rallies for missing and murdered indigenous women

Today marks the 10th anniversary for the Sisters in Spirit March and Vigils across Canada.

The walk raises awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls.

Women Walking Together is a group in Saskatoon. Thisis the ninth year Women Walking togetheris participatingin the national event.

As our family was thrust into this whole situation of having to deal with a missing person, there wasn't as much interest. I've seen the interest grow like leaps and bounds.- MyrnaLaPlante

Myrna LaPlante, co-chair of the group, knows what it's like to have a family member go missing.

"I do have a missing aunt. Her name is Emily Osmond LaPlante," LaPlante said. "She has been missing from the Raymore area since September 2007.

"As our family was thrust into this whole situation of having to deal with a missing person, there wasn't as much interest. I've seen the interest grow like leaps and bounds in terms of academia and in terms of people that just want to support the cause."

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LaPlante said they're expecting more than 200 people to attend the Saskatoon walk. It begins at 3:30 p.m. CST at Station 20 West (1120 20th Street W.).

She said it's important to honour the memory of indigenous women and girls that have been stolen from their families.

"All kinds of people (come out): young, old, men, women, First Nations, Inuit, Mtis, Caucasians," she said. "It's just a real wonderful mix of people right across Canada that will come out."

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Escorted by the Saskatoon Police, participants will walk to Avenue P to 22nd Street and then over to Avenue I before heading back to 20th Street and Station 20 West. Soup and bannock will be served following the walk.

Events are also taking place in Onion Lake, Yorkton, La Ronge and Regina today.

Regina will be holding a pipe ceremony, feast, vigil, and round dance at the First Nations University of Canada. It all gets underway at 5 p.m. with the candlelight vigil and speakers at 7 p.m.

If you want to make a donation for the feast, people are asked to arrive between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Find more information here.