hm EWS OVER THE EDGE NEWSPAPER. SEPTEMBER 27, 2006 Marchers Take Back the Highway Matchers Take Back the ‘Night BY ANNA GRADOWSKA STAR REPORTER This past Saturday, September 16th, marchers from the community took to Highway 16 for the 2nd annual Take Back the Highway. In 2005, Take Back the Highway was created to raise awareness of the murder of women --most of whom were First Nations-- along the infamous high- ways of Canada. Highway 16, stretch- ing 800km between Prince George and Prince Rupert, has in particular has be- come a symbol of these events in BC, cre- ating titles such as Highway of Tears in its wake. The PG Sexual Assault Centre, the main organizers of this event, dedi- cated the march to the women and girls who have gone missing or been mur- dered along the highway and to increase awareness-of gender-based violence, es- pecially against aboriginal women. In 35 years, 32 women, some as young as 14 years of age, have been ab- ducted and murdered along the highway, and Amnesty International (AI) has stated that che numbers of First Na- tions women killed along the highways of Canada may be in the several hun- dreds, The Native Women's Assgcia- tion of Canada estimates there might be as many as 500 women missing across Canada. There is much controversy on the exact numbers formally claimed by the roadways, but there is no argument of the enormity of the problem. AI has published many documents under the title of Stolen Sisters scolding Canada for it unresponsive and dismissive at- titude towards these acts of violence against women, particularly those of na-- tive decent. At least 9 women have been murdered on the Highway of Tears since 1990, most were hitchhiking, and only one was non-native (Nicole Hoar). Many other heartbreaking stories are found along this road, many unsolved, and likely many more to come in the future. On this 2nd Take Back the Highway, the memories of these women were kept alive. Among the more than 200 men, women, and children in attendance, were members of the native commun- ity, women's support groups, families of victims, and people from across Prince George, including Shirley Bond and John Rustad, came to show support. Many media were in attendance, in- creasing the magnitude of the message behind the event. The event was co-organized by Sarah Boyd-Noel, the coordinator of the UNBC Women's Centre. The Prince George Sexual Assault Centre with the help of the Association Advocat- ing for Women & Children (AWAC) Emergency Shelter, the First Nations Friendship Centre, Men Against Vio- lence Against Women, and many other community businesses, unions, support groups, politicians and funding from the . Ministry of Community Services made this year's event a reality. The march began with a powerful and emotional round of stories, prayers, and pleas for action at the Prince George Playhouse. Speakers from various com- munity workers and First Nations bands offered their experiences and ease to the circle of supporters. The procession then a onto the highway, occupying an entire lane of traffic, At the front of the crowd, a but- ton blanket made by the Carrier Sekani Family Services, with one button for the 32 confirmed victim buttons, was held. A chorus of drums and chants echoed down the highway, as weekend travelers honked in support.“No more tears, take back the highway” was shouted through- out the ranks, and homemade signs waved in the air. A few marchers carried signs with photos of their missing loved ones. Another large banner covered in dedicated tears (created by members of the community) carried the slogan “no more tears.’ The march traveled down towards the Superstore area of highway 16 and back again, creating much inter- est along the way. The march concluded at the Mr. PG statue. The Rainbow Dancers, a local First Nations dance group, performed beautifully for the congregation. A quilt, made by 28 women of the Association Advocating for Women and Children (AWAC), was also showcased. The march was finished with more heartfelt speakers and prayers. Te was great” said Sarah Boyd-Noel, UNBC Womens Centre coordinator. “And in terms of goals we set out, we met them and surpassed them’ Boyd- Noel remarked that the march not only achieved awareness, but it was also a great bridge between the First Nations and non-First Nations people of the community. Four family members of missing women came out to the march, and the male participants were there in force. Boyd-Noel said that it was very validating to have people from the com, munity, of all ages genders and culture, there to support the cause. Sarah Boyd-Noel, UNBC- Women's Centre coordinator, pointed out that the goal of Take Back the Highway is to raise awareness, but also to galvanize the community into action, Through edu- cation and prevention programs, sup- port workers throughout the city hope to bring an end to this type of violence against women. Organizers of events such as Take Back the Highway hope to not only create support and action, but also to explore the deeper issues of why the abductions along the highways occur, including issues of gender, race, and poverty, but also the mentality of the perpetrators. There are possibilities of awareness programs being brought into schools and billboards being rented for awareness advertisements. Aborig- inal women are five times as likely to die from violence than any other group - of Canadian women (Statistics Canada 2000). One of the dangers of highway 16 are the many communities along the highway are underprivileged, caus- ing hitchhiking has become a staple of transport along these dangerous high- ways. ‘The most recent murder was that of Aielah Saric, 14, who went missing Feb- _ ruary 10th of this year and found dead along the highway just a few weeks after her disappearance. “There was no Amber Alert for my ‘baby girl” her mother, Audrey Auger said to CBC news.“ That's the one thing I was wondering. How come there wasn't an alert, an Amber Alert for my baby?” Through the response of the. com- ANNA GRADOWSKA munities to this newest murder and all other related violence, the Symposium of ‘Tears was organized and held on March 30th of this year. Over 500 people at- tended to share ideas and concerns. The result was a list of recommendations to make women safer, including recom- mendations in the areas of victim pre- vention, emergency planning and team response, victim family counseling and support, and community development and support. Many of these recommen- dations are in the stages of being imple- mented, but Boyd-Noel also pointed out that it must be a joint venture. With the cooperation of the government, the city, native communities, and the public, the Highway of Tears can be defeated. The Take Back the Highway spirit has been continued in a Highway of Tears Missing Women art exhibit. Organized by Sarah Boyd-Noel, Smither's artist Linda Stringfellow, and other advocates, the exhibit is being shown until Monday September 25th at Pine Centre Mall. Thanks to the funding provided by the Ministry of Community Services this year, Take Back the Night will be tak- ing place this Friday September 22nd at 7pm at the Native Friendship Centre. The symbolic women and children only match was created to support women who are victims of emotional and phys- ical abuse, and to make a statement of defiance, Men are welcome to attend the reception, which is being organized by _ Men Against Violence Against Women, at the Native Friendship Centre baci the march, For more information, contact the UNBC Womens Centre.