Take Back The Night March shines spotlight on issue of violence against women, community safety

Tim Brody - Editor

Sioux Lookout’s 27th Annual Take Back The Night March took place last Thursday evening, shining a spotlight on the issue of violence against women as well as everyone’s right to be safe and live free from violence and abuse in Sioux Lookout.
Participants marched through the downtown core carrying signs and calling out messages condemning violence.
Beginning at the Sioux Lookout OPP Detachment, the march continued to Front Street, on to Sixth Avenue, turned onto King Street, and ended at the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre for refreshments and snacks.
The event was organized by Sioux Lookout’s Violence Action & Awareness Committee (VAAC) which consists of several organizations in the area including First Step Women’s Shelter, Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre, Ah-Shawah-Bin Victim Support Services, Sunset Women’s Aboriginal Circle, Nahnahda-Wee-EE-Waywin, Northwestern Health Unit, and St. Andrew’s United Church.
Ah-Shawah-Bin Victim Support Services Executive Director Geneva Sainnawap, who is also a board member for First Step Women’s Shelter, thanked everyone who participated in the event.
She shared, “Take Back the Night rallies and marches began in England as a protest against the fear that women encountered walking the street at night. The first Take Back the Night March in the United States occurred in San Francisco in 1978. Canada soon followed. Since then, Take Back the Night events have spread across the nation and taking on many forms. In Sioux Lookout, we began supporting this cause in 1996.
“This campaign brings awareness to the issue of violence against women and provides an opportunity for women, men and children to come together to support each other and to take a stand against violence. This event would not be possible without the support of other organizations and our community who are ready to make a difference and make the night safe for everyone. This event has been a huge success over the years and we hope that it continues with your support.”
Sainnawap also thanked the Ontario Provincial Police for providing escorts during the march, the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre for providing a space to gather after the march, and The Sioux Lookout Bulletin for its coverage.
The Take Back The Night March was originally organized in Sioux Lookout by First Step Women’s Shelter.
First Step Women’s Shelter Program Manager Carmelia Agustin said while violence against women is still very much the focus of the march, the event has grown to advocate for safety for all community members.
“Obviously there’s a reason we’re still around. We’re still very much needed and we’re still busy. Ah-Shawah-Bin, very busy,” Agustin said.
Sainnawap agreed, further sharing, “The crime rates are rising, especially after COVID, so just to bring this awareness, it’s just to refresh people’s minds that we are still here, our agencies are here.”
Sioux Lookout’s VAAC Committee, according to Sainnawap, “Is a local committee comprised of diverse women who work within the community at the grassroot level. We hold a number of events throughout the year and our events are not only meant to raise awareness on violence and other important social issues, but to empower women while giving our fellow community members a safe place to gather, share, celebrate, grow and build their own circle of care within Sioux Lookout.”
The VAAC Committee, along with the Friendship Cente, will next organize a free Grab n’ Go Community Lunch at the Friendship Centre on Sept. 29 at noon.
This will be followed by a Sisters in Spirit Vigil at the Town Beach on Oct. 4. to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).