The City of Edmonton is hosting a two-day conference and gathering on January 9 and 10 to share knowledge, hear stories and learn more about the issues and solutions surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.
MMIR Gathering: The Strength is our stories is hosted at the Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre with over 250 guests and volunteers.
Attendees include survivors, families, friends, advocates and community-serving organizations who came together to share personal stories, explore issues, discuss solutions and promote community healing as well as remembrance.
“Solving the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives requires multiple, creative solutions, that all orders of government and institutions have a responsibility to address,” said Kyla Pascal, Strategic Planner, Indigenous Relations Office. “By hosting this gathering, we are creating a space for connection, collaboration, healing and community.”
The gathering features presentations on a variety of themes including climate, intergenerational joy, justice, policy and the role of municipalities. The agenda also includes panel discussions featuring grassroots organizations, local artists, community partners and a representative from the City of Vancouver. Additionally, local vendors and organizations are on site to share information and resources with participants.
“We all carry strong medicine within ourselves and when we gather in a good way, we create good medicine that is healing for all,” said Lorrie Lawrence with I.A.M. Collective and a conference panellist. “Coming together to share our experiences and teachings is the good medicine our missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples, their families and the community need to heal and to prevent more being lost.”
The conference wraps up on Friday evening at 6 with a round dance, hosted in partnership with Creating Hope Society.
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