Wanda Good, Deputy Chief Council, Gitanyow First Nation, speaks during a ceremony at the Legislature in Victoria, B.C., Tuesday, May 10, 2016 to unveil a memorial quilt crafted by families who have lost loved ones using 90 patches created from victims' clothing, blankets and other possessions to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
May 11, 2016 - 9:30 AM
VICTORIA - A colourful patchwork quilt honouring the memories of British Columbia's missing and murdered indigenous women and girls has been unveiled at the provincial legislature.
Families who have lost mothers, sisters, daughters and aunts crafted the quilt's 90 patches from victim's clothing, blankets and other possessions at a three-day gathering in Prince George earlier this year.
Many of the brightly coloured blocks express love and longing for the women and girls, while others call for justice.
Public Safety Minister Mike Morris says ensuring the safety of indigenous women and girls is one of the defining issues of Canada right now, and the quilt is a reminder that violence needs to be addressed and prevented.
Details have yet to be released on the structure or scope of an upcoming federal inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women across the country.
The quilt will be on display at the provincial legislature through the spring and summer.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2016