People gather in Merritt to rally for missing and murdered Indigenous women

Photo: Kelsie Kilawna

Danielle Jack, organizer of the MMIWG rally happening in Merritt B.C. on Saturday, April 10, says she aims to raise awareness around the ongoing genocide of Indigenous women

Saturday, Central Park in Merritt will be adorned with drummers, singers, and dancers, there to honour the lives and spirits of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S).

The rally started at 11:30 a.m. today, explains Danielle Jack, one of the organizers.

After opening ceremonies, she says attendees will march down Voght Street — effectively shutting it down. Then they will return to the park where First Nations leaders and local politicians are scheduled to speak about the ongoing issue of violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people.

Jack says that now is the time for politicians, police services, and allies to show up, support and listen to Indigenous women when they say they are not safe.

Dancers from the Butterflies in Spirit dance group are also scheduled to attend, she says.

Jack was compelled to organize this rally because of an experience she had in Merritt in January, when she was walking to her car and three men pulled up and attempted to abduct her, she explains, sitting at the shore of Nicola Lake in Nlaka’pumux territory just after smudging off.

“It happened to me on January 14. I was just walking to my car and was almost abducted,” Jack tells IndigiNews.

“I feel like there’s not enough education or awareness out there, just with the heightened safety needs we have to have now. You can’t even walk to your car without getting nearly abducted,” she says.

Jack says the incident made her feel voiceless. She didn’t want to go to the police because she doesn’t feel she can trust them after witnessing so much injustice.

“I fought and I screamed and it’s like I was screaming but no one could hear me,” she says. “I didn’t report it to police. Instead I took it to social media.”

Jack’s story is one of courage, bravery and strength. While her latest experience of violence is only one motive for helping to organize the rally, she says it has amplified her desire to raise awareness of the issue.

Jack says it’s important for people to have a safety plan in place for the rally on Saturday as she will be sharing her story in full.

People have been asked to bring drums, songs, prayers, and open hearts and minds to listen to the messages that will be shared at the event, she says.