MMIW Walk: It's Not Like I Got To Go Home

February 14 is the date selected for buying of goods in the name of love (for stuff).  For many folk, Indigenous and other, it is about remembering their loved one. Loved ones who have either disappeared or were murdered.

So there are groups of Women and supporters who walk to make sure the public realizes what has and is happening.

This year I went to see them Walk. I recognized many who have been on this Walk before and other events which bring awareness to the Murdered Missing Indigenous Women.

It is amazing the resilience of Indigenous Women. It is they that lead the way. There is no pretence of what they are doing. They are in the fight to bring awareness to what is happening to Indigenous Women; they are being killed. They will always be the ones who show up.

The Women take the opportunity to speak for those who cannot.  The Women are the ones who take initiative to organize, to share information, to rally the people. Yet it is the Women who will be discounted. They will be the ones who will bear the brunt of criticism and ridicule. Ridicule from their own people, their own leaders. Still they are not deterred. They will not let the taunts of "seeking attention", "trouble-makers" stop them from voicing for others.

 The amount of people who showed up was impressive. The Winnipeg weather, extremely cold was not a deterrent to the people.

Mom's and Dad's, Kookum's and even Babies braved the cold.

The Walk went from the University of Winnipeg and over onto the well used street of Portage Avenue.

As I muddled around I couldn't help to hear some comments of non-participants of the Walk. This one White guy was waiting at a Bus stop and remarked, "it's not like I have to get home or anything."  Another couple ran across the group of Walkers and made disparaging remarks as they ran.

But a number of Indigenous Women who were a local eatery came running out without their coats and cheered on the group of Walkers. I marvel at the dedication of the Walkers who go out and remind the public of what is happening and to also honour the families.

There's the truth about the whole thing, those Women will not be able to go home. While the regular person has no clue, no idea of what it means to all those who have lost someone and to the many who are going to lose someone. It is the reality of society, there is a heartless segment. Those who don't care, those who are ignorant and those who couldn't care less about the Missing and the Murdered.

This is not limited to Canada. It is happening in the United States and South America. The common theme seems to be Indigenous Women are being targeted.

No one ever wants their loved ones forgotten.