Walk 4 Justice
June 7, 2009 by Dirk
On May 29 a group of aboriginal women set out on a 28 day Walk 4 Justice to Prince Rupert B.C from Vancouver’s DTES(downtown east-side) a distance of 1,502 km/ 933 miles,the women are demanding a public inquiry into the cases of 3000+missing and murdered women & children that have taken place & gone unsolved over the past ten years,80% of whom are aboriginal.
The walk will also raise more public awareness of the infamous 722km/449 mile stretch of highway 16 between Prince George & the port city of Prince Rupert(my home town),often referred to as the Highway of Tears due to the number of women who were murdered or have gone missing since 1988 in the vicinity of the highway. At least 32 of these women were aboriginal.
As the result of a symposium held in Prince George in March 2006, aboriginal Canadians along the route are advocating better rural bus service that would help reduce the number of young native women hitchhiking. In addition, spurred on by native leaders, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is officially investigating the unsolved murder or disappearance of nine women between the ages of 14 and 25 since 1974, most of whom were hitchhiking along Highway 16…@
The walk is of particular interest to me,as one of my closest friend’s mom is participating in the walk and my having personally known a couple of the girls who have gone missing or were murdered in the DTES,may they rest in peace.
Also read ;Walk 4 Justice demands answers to missing women cases
I am in full support spiritually and emotionally in the fight for justice in regards to the protection of young women and also young men who dare hitch-hike on this highway. The large sign at the Kitwanga junction is really good as it does make people think twice about who they choose to ride with thinking that everyone who travels is safe and respectable – I think that more of these large signs should be placed all along the highway and especaially truck stops and small communities that are located along the highway 16. This is really good awareness not only to the potential victims but also the potential culprets that roam around seeking victims – they are out there – they are not only in the movies – they are real and are in our area – they won’t stop until awareness like this one keeps going – don’t ever stop your movement – its too important – especailly for the aboriginal youth of our communities – they are born into this world to lead our future – we must protect them – now – tomorrow – and forever! God Bless all who are involved in this – we hear you loud and clear! – Gitsegukla, B.C.