PAQTNKEK MI'KMAW NATION – A tight-knit community here came together not only to remember, but also voice their continuing concern with a deep and disturbing history of loss.
Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation – like thousands of communities across Canada, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – commemorated Red Dress Day on May 5, the annual honouring of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), girls, and two-spirit people (MMIWG2S).
“Everything went really well,” Karla Stevens, one of the local organizers, told The Journal.
The busy day in Paqtnkek started with a noon-time gathering at the Pomquet Community Centre, where people fashioned posters and signs for the walk for awareness – one of the key Red Dress Day activities.
“We are really closely connected,” Stevens said, a community trait that is at the forefront each May 5.
A large collection of walkers paraded from the community centre to the Bayside Entertainment Centre and then returned for cake, tea and coffee – not to mention fellowship, friendship and reflection.
“It was a great turnout,” Stevens said, noting there were many allies from the broader community, including Town of Antigonish Mayor Sean Cameron, who joined in the walk.
She added, “It was a great show of support.”
Like countless other families, Stevens’ has been affected by the missing and murdered Indigenous women crisis. She remembered how her grandfather Robert Pictou – until his passing two years ago – spent more than 30 years searching for answers when it came to his lost daughter.
Describing it as “a little bit more heard and seen,” she said there continue to be “alarming numbers.”
Stevens added, “More needs to be done.”
Along with continuing to raise awareness, she noted the importance of providing Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people with the resources and tools “to stay safe.”
Red Dress Day concluded in Paqtnkek with a well-attended gathering at the community centre.
Noting it was a “community-led” effort, Stevens praised everyone in Paqtnkek – including the band council and business community – for their contributions.
“Everyone has been so supportive – we are very thankful,” she said.
