Yesterday, Nunatsiavut President Johannes Lampe issued the following statement:
December 6th, 2021 marked the 30th anniversary of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
This was established in 1991 by the Government of Canada, to honour 14 young women who were shot and killed on December 6, 1989, at Montreal’s Ecole Polytechnique.
These women were targeted simply because of their gender and they had chosen to study engineering, a field traditionally dominated by men.
As we remember those whose lives have been taken away, it is important we continue to raise awareness about the misogyny that still is very much present in our communities, region, Province and country.
We also remember the many other victims of gender-based violence, including 2SLGBTQQIA+ (two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus) and gender diverse individuals who regularly face discrimination, ridicule and profound acts of violence.
As a memorial to the 14 young women who were killed on December 6, 1989, and to all those who have lost their lives to gender-based violence, flags were being flown at half mast yesterday at Nunatsiavut Government buildings.