Dzenes hoonzoo – good day:
Today, we commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, honoring the 14 women who were tragically murdered in their engineering class at L’École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6th, 1989.
Please join me in pausing to remember those we lost and reflect on our roles in ending gender-based violence, both individually and collectively.
Education holds immense power to transform lives and create positive futures. It is deeply distressing that these women were killed while pursuing their education and dreams.
In 2023, 187 women in Canada lost their lives due to violence. Steps to end gender-based violence include but are not limited to challenging and changing harmful social norms, attitudes, and behaviors. By fostering respect and promoting healthy relationships, we can create a safer, more inclusive community for everyone.
As our work to end gender-based violence continues, I see this approach as important in making a meaningful difference and supporting each other.
Every day, you can make a difference against gender-based violence. For today, please pause and reflect on the 14 women who died on December 6th, 1989, in Montréal:
- 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
- Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
Bunats'utilnih - we will remember them. Snachalhuya- thank you.
Cindy