Download the Press Release HERE
To the University of Lethbridge community,
Today, May 5th, is a day set aside to remember and raise awareness of the
countless missing and murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited
Individuals. Today we are asked to wear Red and set out a Red Dress as a sign
of hope. We truly hope that all those who are missing are able to return home,
and ensure that these people are never forgotten. Since the conception of Red
Dress day created by Metis Artist Jamie Black, Universities and Colleges across
Canada have taken part in this National Day of Hope and Remembrance. Today we
join those in our community and across Canada to remember and honour women,
girls. and Two-Spirited people who should still be here with us.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada has stated that Indigenous women in
Canada make up only three per cent of our female population but make up
approximately 10 per cent of all female homicides. More than half of these
occurred in the western Provinces, with Alberta and British Columbia making up
the highest numbers. And while violence against Two-Spirited people was not
included in those statistics; we know that it is occurring and acknowledge
their unnecessary suffering. The University of Lethbridge sits within the
original and enduring Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) territorial homelands, and we all
have the responsibility to ensure the protection of all Indigenous women and
Two–Spirited people who call this land home and who attend our campus. We
encourage you to learn about the women who are missing and murdered and help
bring attention to their cases. Many families are living without knowing what
happened to their family member and they deserve answers. If you are able, we
encourage you to participate in Red Dress Day, and remain mindful to what is
occurring in our community. While we were only able to access a handful of
cases, the reality is, thousands of people are missing, they and their families
deserve justice. The ULSU extends our love, and support to all those who are
continually harmed by this act of genocidal violence. We hope that the missing
finds their way home, and for those already gone, feel our love and know they
are missed.
Yours in solidarity,
The ULSU Executive Council
Holly Kletke, President
Ryan Lindblad, Vice-President External
Amy Mendenhall, Vice-President Student Affairs
Rebecca Parkkari, Vice-President Academic
Mark Serebryansky, Vice-President Operations and Finance
