by Annika Peters, Dorothy Sylliboy, Stephanie Pictou, MMNN Contributors

The CBU (Cape Breton University) students were part of the Annual Sisters in Spirit Walk at the Paqtnkek Community. There were approximately 80 people that had attended. Our main focus for our community event was for Virginia Pictou the daughter of Bobby Pictou and Annie Mae Pictou Aquash sister of Mary Lafford.

Smudging was done by Cathy Martin and a prayer was done by Mary Lafford. Marie Johnson did the opening remarks and led the parade with drummers. Cathy Martin, Bobby Pictou and Derrick Poulette led the walk chanting and drumming. Two families led the walk with banners; Marie Pictou and Jennifer Whalen, and Starlene Pictou and Stephanie Pictou followed by the community members who walked within the community and returned to the Gymnasium where Soup and Luski was served.

Marie Johnson introduced newly elected Chief Paul James Prosper who spoke of the importance of the community coming together to honour the women missing and murdered. Bobby Pictou spoke of pain losing a daughter to violence. Lastly, Mary Lafford spoke of her sister being killed in Wounded Knee and the impact it had on her family.

Then faceless dolls were made by all community members to honour all the missing and murdered Aboriginal women. Materials of crafts were provided in baskets in which the dolls were made from.
The local newspaper, The Casket from the Antigonish area was present and participated in our community event.

The Logo of the Sister in Spirits Grandmot ...

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