With exceptionally heavy hearts, our community mourns the loss of four murdered Indigenous women: Rebecca Contois, Morgan Beatrice Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Buffalo Woman, as Indigenous grandmothers have named her. We express our sincere condolences to their families, loved ones, and communities. We express our sorrow and support for all those affected by such violence.
Each year on December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we remember the 14 women whose lives were tragically taken during a mass shooting at École Polytechnique in Montreal on December 6, 1989.
We remember:
- Geneviève Bergeron
- Hélène Colgan
- Nathalie Croteau
- Barbara Daigneault
- Anne-Marie Edward
- Maud Haviernick
- Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
- Maryse Laganière
- Maryse Leclair
- Anne-Marie Lemay
- Sonia Pelletier
- Michèle Richard
- Annie St-Arneault
- Annie Turcotte
The violence and misogyny of these events 33 years ago cannot, and will not, be forgotten. This day is a time to reaffirm our commitment to fighting the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today. In Canada and around the world, women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals face unacceptable violence and discrimination.
As we lower our campus flags to half-mast on Tuesday, December 6, we do so in remembrance of the 14 women lost at École Polytechnique 33 years ago, the four Indigenous women we are currently mourning, and countless more lives that have been tragically cut short.
Reflecting on these events can be difficult. If you are struggling during this time, reach out for help.
All UWinnipeg students can access counselling services from the Wellness Centre, and Indigenous students can also receive additional support from the Aboriginal Student Services Centre. Staff and faculty can access counselling with the Blue Cross’ Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Anyone in the community can access crisis support 24/7 by contacting Klinic Community Health.
The University’s Sexual Violence Response Team is ready to support anyone in the UWinnipeg community who has experienced sexual violence.
