https://www.facebook.com/126403794094498/videos/1840422772784830
Virtual Ceremony this year – we went live on video (see link above).
We have engaged in many thoughtful conversations and ceremony, guided by Elder Wanda Whitebird in planning for this year’s annual February 14th Strawberry Ceremony.While we will miss the comfort of our bodies being together, in light of the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, our ceremony will look different this year. We will not be gathering in person, and instead invite you all to join us virtually on our Facebook event page where Wanda will be offering prayers via live stream from 12:30pm – 1:30pm. We share in the grief of not being able to sing, drum, dance, and pray for our missing and murdered kin together with you in person, as we have the last 15 years. Please join us virtually this year, so we can stay safe, and be back in person in greater numbers next year!We will also be sharing posters, photos, and memories from past years in some creative ways. If you have photographs, posters, or messages that you would like to be included, please email nomoresilenceorg@gmail.com by Monday February 8th. Note that if any content emailed is misogynistic, transphobic, ableist or violent, it will not be posted.We also ask that you take time on Sunday February 14th to honour missing and murdered women, girls, trans and two-spirit people and their families in your own ways.Ways to Show your Support:- Offer tobacco in a space that is meaningful to you (ex. park, water, yard)- Take a moment on Feb.14th to pray for the safety of Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans and Two-Spirit Peoples, and for those who are missing to return home. Say the names of loved ones that have been lost.- Share a photo of what you’re doing to mark the Strawberry Ceremony remotely to honor families, raise awareness, and fight to put an end to MMIWGT2S- Tune in to the live videos shared in the Strawberry Ceremony Facebook event- Eat a strawberry (the green part too! )Rather than a community feast we are encouraging sponsors and individuals to donate to any of the following initiatives:Families of Sisters in Spirit: https://fsismmiw.wordpress.com/donate/Dashmaawaan Bemaadzinjin – They Feed the People: https://www.gofundme.com/…/dashmaawaan-bemaadzinjin…NaMeRes: www.nameres.org/support/We look forward to you joining us in a new way this year. Stay safe and show your love.In solidarity & with great respect,
February 14 Organizing Committee