The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

All are welcomed to join us for Salal’s annual virtual vigil in observance of the 34th anniversary of the attack on Polytechnique Montréal, where 14 women lost their lives on the basis of gender. The day was named National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, and on December 6, 2023, from 3:30pm-5pm PT, we will remember, mourn, and celebrate the lives that were lost in 1989, and continue to be lost today due to misogyny and transphobia. Our virtual vigil and discussion will feature an opening from Elder Sharon Jinkerson-Brass, with panelists Faith Summers and Karen Alcatera, as we light our candles to stand in solidarity with our community of cis and trans women, Two-Spirit, trans, and non-binary folks who still face gender-based violence.

This event is free-of-charge. Registration is required.

Panelists

Faith Summers (she/her)

Having spent her adult life on an intentional healing path and learning to thrive alongside the impacts of trauma, addiction, chronic conditions, and oppression, Faith is dedicated to creating safe spaces for healing, connection, and empowerment.

Faith is of mixed Onayota’a:ka/European decent and holds certificates in Embodied Social Justice, Mind Body Coaching, and Earth Medicine. She continues to study ancestral ways and language with various Elders and Knowledge keepers, as well as somatic trauma therapy.

Faith is passionate about her family and two-legged dog, rest, and the intersection of Spirituality, ‘Wellness,’ and Social Justice.

Karen Alcantara (she/her)

Karen Alcantara is the Counselling program manager of Salal Sexualized Violence Centre. She has worked in the anti-violence sector and Salal for almost 10 years. Her roots are from both the Dominican Republic and the British Isles, her mixed ancestry shapes her unique perspective in navigating support for survivors of sexualized violence. Her mission goes beyond individual healing; She strives to transform the broader circumstances of the community affected by sexual violence. She is dedicated to empowering individuals, standing as a beacon of empathy and resilience, and contributing to a more compassionate society.

Sharon Jinkerson-Brass (she/her)

ᐙbᐃᔥᒃbᐃᓀᓯ ᐃᑴ (Sharon Jinkerson-Brass) is a member of Key First Nation in Saskatchewan. Sharon was part of the “sixties scoop” but reunited with her family in the 1980’s. Sharon received her cultural teachings from her beloved Anishinaabe grandmother Rebecca, who was a midwife and traditional healer. Sharon’s cultural heritage has inspired all of her art and way of living.

Sharon is an award-winning artist who was the artistic director of “Big Sky”, a successful multi-media company that performed in the US and Canada. For 30 years Sharon has also been a community leader working for social change for the Aboriginal Community in the areas of arts, culture, health and community development.
Sharon believes that a relevant, sustainable cultural foundation is the key for wellness for her people and all people. Her path has led her to embrace a harm reduction, low barrier, intersectional collaborative approach to culture, ceremony and community engagement.