Why do Sisters In Spirit Organize?

Over the past two decades, as much as 500 Aboriginal women have gone missing in various communities across Canada. Yet Canadian society, government, and the media continue to stay silent. Aboriginal women continue to be targets of violence and hatred based on their race and gender; they are disrespected, dishonoured, objectified, and murdered, and do not receive justice. Sisters in Spirit organize to bring respect and honour back to the "Sisters In Spirit" who have gone missing and been murdered.

There are a number of benefits of Sisters In Spirit for Aboriginal families and communities. Sisters In Spirit...

• + Help to validate the experiences of the families, create necessary networks, and promote healing

• + Reassure families that their loved one is presented justly, without prejudice or stereotype

• + Target root causes of violence, creating prevention strategies in which families can learn to recognize various risks
  

• + Provide tools to assist families in navigating the justice system

• + Raise national awareness

Sources: http://www.united-church.ca/aboriginal/rights/sis#background
http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/background.html