Pictured above: Northern and NorthMart store associates across northern communities showing their support for MMIWG2S day.

Northern and NorthMart stores across northern communities wore red t-shirts to show support and acknowledge the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) on May 5th.

This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the ongoing violence Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people face and to remember all those lost to gender-based violence, while standing in solidarity with their families and communities.

All store employees wore a custom Northern/NorthMart red t-shirt this year and had the opportunity to learn the significance of this day which intiatied open dialogue, and deep reflection on this matter. All Northern/NorthMart stores across Canada also made “No More Stolen Sisters” red t-shirts available for purchase to customers. A 14-year-old Indigenous teen who has suffered a loss of a family member due to MMIWG created this year’s t-shirt design.

“I’m very honoured and proud that The North West Company is supporting this movement,” said Michelle Cameron, owner of Dreamcatcher Promotions, which produced the t-shirts. “I think this is what needs to happen in Canada. Companies and groups like yours need to share and raise awareness.”

Members from the northern communities expressed their appreciation for the Northern and NorthMart stores for donating the proceeds from the T-shirt sales to the Native Women’s Association of Canada.

The store employees were also empowered, knowing that the company stood alongside them against the violence that Indigenous women often face. As this issue touches the lives of many people throughout the communities North West serves, this initiative was meaningful to associates and community members alike.

Pictured above: Black Lake Northern store employees showing support by wearing their T-shirts (left), and the residents of Cumberland House participating in the community walk that was organized to raise awareness (right).

Indigenous communities across Canada honoured this day in a variety of ways. In Saskatchewan, Cumberland Cree Nation jointly organized a walk with the community high school to raise awareness about MMIWG2S, with about 50 community members participating. The one-kilometre walk started from the high school and ended at the monument. In Black Lake, Denesuline First Nation community members organized a cultural drumming event and closed the Band office to pay respect to the day.

“MMIWG2S day is a significant event to raise awareness, remember the people who lost their lives, and take action. It is vital for us to show our support and stand with the communities we serve,” said Kavirasa Kanagaiah, Black Lake Northern store manager.