A new monument dedicated to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls was unveiled outside the legislative assembly on Wednesday.
The contract for the design and creation of the monument was awarded to artist Myrna Pokiak (Agnaviak), owner and founder of Alappaa Inc., in late 2022.
The statue features elements of Indigenous culture. The base resembles a drum, with a stainless steel design.
SA国际影视传媒淭he drum is the foundation,SA国际影视传媒� Pokiak explained, SA国际影视传媒渂ecause the beat of the drum is what keeps us going.SA国际影视传媒�
It also has feathers forming an infinity symbol and a heart motif was incorporated as well. The red parka is made from aluminum, featuring beadwork patterns and a fur ruff.
Pokiak expressed her gratitude for being part of this project. She believes the monumentSA国际影视传媒檚 location will ensure it gets the attention it deserves. In addition to being a poignant reminder of the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, Pokiak hopes that the statue will serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous people.
SA国际影视传媒淜nowing the amount of traffic that comes here, that can make a difference SA国际影视传媒� that the policies can be changed, that people can have a reminder as they walk through here, and if things donSA国际影视传媒檛 change, this (monument) is going to be that reminder walking through until that change happens,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
She pointed out that there is a fireplace in front of the statue, where people can stay warm as they use the space for grieving and reflecting.
Grace Blake, president of Native WomenSA国际影视传媒檚 Association of the NWT, said described the occasion as an emotional moment, especially for those who have lost loved ones.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 such a very toxic and highly emotional, painful (issue) for the whole community,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淲e suffer together, and we stand together.SA国际影视传媒�
During the closing prayer, Gerri Sharpe, president of Pauktuutit, emphasized the importance of placing the monument in front of the legislative assembly.
SA国际影视传媒淲e need to hold our politicians, our lawmakers and our policymakers accountable. If you look at the names and the numbers of those that have gone missing or have been murdered across CanadaSA国际影视传媒� you need to solve that. We need to solve this problem,SA国际影视传媒� Sharpe said.
