A day to remember and reflect

CEASE’s Annual Memorial event brought tears, inspiration, and hope to many

PATTI HOWELL

Memorial ribbons at CEASE's annual memorial. Middle picture: RCMP Sergeant Roland Misik. | Supplied

On August 14, 2024, CEASE (Centre to Empower All Survivors of Sexual Exploitation & Human Trafficking), hosted the 24th Annual Memorial for those who have lost their lives as consequence of sexual exploitation, whether through murder, suicide, overdose, or illnesses. The first memorial was held in a Boyle Street park in 2000, at a time when many women were missing or murdered. The Alberta Avenue Community Garden has been a welcoming space for many years. The memorial was moved inside the hall due to poor air quality and, with 28-degree weather, the air conditioning indoors was a welcome luxury. 

Upon entering the hall, people were invited to tie a ribbon to a rowan branch. It’s known as a protector tree, symbolizing strength, courage, and wisdom. Yellow, red, blue, and white ribbons represented the Four Directions for Cree people. Orange ribbons symbolized children who died in residential schools. 

Four readers gave voice to each name on this sad list, now numbering 279 people. Three names were added this year. Then we observed a moment of silence, remembering those around the world who have died as a consequence of sex trafficking and exploitation.  Two women with lived experience solemnly raised those rowan branches high. One person commented, “It is nice to know that an agency really cares about our people.” 

A woman who has lost family members to murder and suicide inspired us to remember the good times, the laughs, and the fun that we shared with those we lost.

One guest took us through her journey of exploitation, beginning in her early teens, her struggles as a young mother, and her motivation to become a social worker and help others.  She moved the audience to tears of sorrow and joy and they responded with a standing ovation. “The survivor speaker’s story touched my heart very deeply” and “Beautiful” were comments from two different guests. She later stated that she found the experience therapeutic and that it happened at just the right time for her in her recovery. She’s planning to share her story again.

The singing and drumming by an Indigenous community leader offered a powerful tribute that resonated in hearts and spirits. RCMP Sergeant Roland Misik, the provincial coordinator of the Human Trafficking Unit, honoured us by lighting the memorial candle. He said, “It was very moving to see people coming together to remember all the women who have passed.” Earlier in his career, he worked with RCMP Project KARE and knew many of the women on the list, some of whom disappeared from along 118 Avenue. 

Longstanding supporters, the EL EATS bicycle club prepared and served a feast of pulled chicken, salad, dessert, cookies, and beverages. Their service was gracious, friendly and very well organized.

Another guest commented, “It was beautiful to realize that marginalized communities have community together. It shows that people matter and are important to those that love them and that there really is hope.”