December 6 is 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 whose lives were taken at École Polytechnique: 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.
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.
“As the Chair of The Department of Women’s and Gender Studies, I reflect on the loss of these young scholars and the impact of violence and misogyny on women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals,” said Dr. Sharanpal Ruprai. “Outside the entrance to the Hive on the first floor of Lockhart Hall, there is a commemorative installation which is part of Lin Gibson’s multi-site artwork (1990) in which 14 names were displayed at different sites across the city. The plaque is in remembrance of Nathalie Croteau. I hope students take the time today to reflect on their role in supporting intersectional feminist movements beyond December 6th.”
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.
If you need support
All UWinnipeg students can access counselling services from the Wellness Centre. Indigenous students can also receive additional support from the Indigenous 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.
