On December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, The University of Winnipeg will lower its flags to half-mast to mourn the 14 women who were murdered at École Polytechnique de Montréal on December 6, 1989, and to remember and support all victims of gender-based violence.
We remember those who were injured at École Polytechnique, the victims’ families, and those whose lives were tragically cut short: 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, and Annie Turcotte.
We hold in our thoughts all those who are currently experiencing gender-based violence in their lives. This is also a day to remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
We also recognize gender-based violence is not behind us, and take this opportunity to reflect on the misogyny that continues to negatively impact the lives of women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.
December 6, and every day, we must work to end gender-based violence and speak out against it in our daily lives. We must recognize the impact gender-based violence inflicts on families and communities, including its intersectional effects on those who are marginalized or racialized, and advocate for the safety of all people.
On this National Day of Remembrance and Action, show your commitment and support by wearing a white ribbon, observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m., or attending a vigil in your community. You can also donate directly to a local family violence shelter.
If you are experiencing gender violence or know someone who is being abused, please seek support by reaching out to the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters or by calling their 24-hour toll-free crisis line at 1-877-977-0007.
Reflecting on days like this one can be difficult. If you are struggling, reach out for help.
All UWinnipeg students can access counselling services from the Wellness Centre. Indigenous students can also receive additional support from the Aboriginal Student Services Centre. Staff and faculty can access counselling through 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.
