Remembering those who have been lost and working towards a better future on National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
On Dec. 2, a group of well dressed walkers assembled at the Selkirk Friendship Centre and took to the street with candles alight to commemorate National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women(Dec. 6). The group travelled from the Friendship Centre to Selkirk’s Civic Office, where a remembrance ceremony and prayer took place.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women takes place on December 6 annually in Canada. That day was chosen because on December 6, 1989, 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal were murdered because they were women. We mourn their loss and remember their lives. On Dec. 6, we reaffirm our commitment to fight the hatred that led to this tragedy, and the misogyny that still exists today.
Larry Johannson, the Mayor of Selkirk, opened for the speakers that evening.
“It’s so important that we keep this up, never forget that massacre, and always remember that this is an ongoing fight, and we all have to do what we can to help,” he said.
Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves, their families and communities on gender-based violence, centre the voices of survivors in our actions, and speak up against harmful behaviours.
Colleen Allan, the President of BPW Selkirk, spoke about her experience of Dec. 6, 1989.
“It’s been 36 years, but it’s like yesterday. I was in Montreal at the time, on consulting business, and it was something that was such a shock. But, I think that we have to remember what that massacre (brought about), and what it did for us was that it was the very first time we had an awakening as a country and as people that women were being targeted specifically because they were women,” said Allan.
The tragedy resulted in the deaths of the 14 women as well as four men who tried to intervene. Thirteen people were also wounded.
These 14 women who were murdered were engineering students, and the loss of them to their field of study as well as to their families continues to be felt.
“I think it’s so important that these women are going to be recognized and recognized in perpetuity,” said Allan.
She then went on to talk about the need for education in our community because the stigma behind this violence keeps people silent.
“I think one of the first things we can do is name it and say it is occurring. Because a lot of time, people deny that this is such a problem,” said Allan.
Some signs of gender-based violence that Allan shared in a handout at the event were:
The person calls you names, insults you or puts you down
They often act jealous or possessive
They try to control how you spend your money or access to your money
They track where you go, what you do online, or who you talk to
They prevent you from going to school or work
They stop you from seeing family members or friends
They threaten to keep you from seeing your children
“We have to really educate women. Let them know this is not supposed to be happening. You do not have to be abused. You do not deserve to be abused. And the fact is, that when you have the abuse, it escalates and escalates and escalates until there’s a final conclusion for many,” said Allan.
When speaking about gender-based violence, intimate partner and family violence is also an area where there is room for improvement in order to keep our community members safe.
To speak to the local resources that our community has to help with this, Nova House’s Outreach Councillor Cheryl Dow and Emergency Councillor/Community Outreach, Sarah Dugan, shared a few words.
“As many of you know, Nova House exists to empower people to live lives that are free from abuse. Tonight, on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we are reminded why this work matters and why strong community partnerships like the one demonstrated here tonight are essential. At Nova House, our mission is to support individuals and families who are seeking a safe place to begin or continue their healing journey. Our shelter provides 24-hour support, trauma-informed counselling, and a program that focuses on breaking the cycle of violence, rebuilding confidence, and creating pathways to a life defined by safety and dignity rather than fear,” said Dugan.
“Over the past two years, Nova House has expanded significantly through our housing initiative, adding both short-term and long-term housing options. Here in Selkirk, we recognized early on that the lack of safe, affordable housing is one of the biggest barriers women face when trying to avoid returning to unsafe environments. By acquiring additional homes and developing more stable housing pathways, we’re helping bridge that gap. Our goal is not only to provide shelter, but to help create lasting safety— physically, emotionally, economically, and building community. Nova House also supports many community clients who have not required shelter. Our outreach team provides counselling, safety planning support with protection orders, assistance with applications, and system navigation referrals to relevant service providers. We offer advocacy. Once a trusting relationship is established (this ensures)that clients feel supported through complex legal, financial and social processes,” said Dow.
Allan concluded the ceremony with a prayer.
The Community Vigil Walk takes place on or around Dec. 6 annually in Selkirk. It’s coordinated by the Selkirk Business & Professional Women(BPW Selkirk and District) in partnership with Nova House and the Selkirk Friendship Centre and hosted by the City of Selkirk.
Residents who are interested in joining next year’s walk should keep an eye out for the date and time of the walk, which will be posted in mid-November 2026.
Canadians are invited to wear a white ribbon every year on Dec. 6 in remembrance.
The 14 women who lost their lives at Polytechnique Montréal on Dec. 6, 1989 are:
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
