Community members are welcome to attend a gathering at Portage College on Monday, May 5 that continues the campaign of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit Persons.

Similar gatherings will be taking place around the country the same day, all referencing the tragic national statistics that show Indigenous women are four-times more likely to be victims of violence compared to non-Indigenous women. According to statistics from the Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous women make up only four per cent of Canada's total population, but account for 16 per cent of all female homicides and 11 per cent of all missing person cases.

With a Red Dress as its symbolic image, the awareness day in Lac La Biche will take place in the wanîskah room at the Lac La Biche Portage College campus from 11 am to 1 pm. A soup and bannock lunch will be provided for those who attend.

The event is hosted this year in Lac La Biche by Portage College and Lac La Biche County. Organizers hope attendees will listen, share stories, and learn more about the many factors that contribute to the issue of violence against Indigenous women.

Robert Rayko, the Cultural and Community Facilitator at Portage College, says the partnership between the College and the community to continue the campaign is meaningful.

"We look at all of our communities and all of the Indigenous people who have been murdered or are missing, and we want to acknowledge that we are here and that we still hear the cries about what is happening to our people," he said, going on to explain the day as an opportunity to give a voice to those who can speak, for those who no longer can. "This day is not only one of remembrance—but also a call to action."