Photos of last year’s MMIWG2S March courtesy of Winding Roads Photography.

Dryden is once again getting together to raise awareness and recognize violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit individuals with a memorial march.

The Dryden Native Friendship Centre is hosting its Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Two-Spirit Memorial March today, held annually on February 14.

Organizer and Indigenous Mentor with the DNFC, Tiffany Thompson, says things will start at 11 a.m., following an opening prayer and remarks at 10:45 a.m.

“This event is extremely important,” says Thompson. “It raises awareness and provides visibility to a major national issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit individuals. Hate, violence, and murder disproportionately affect the Indigenous population.”

Residents will be able to have a red handprint painted onto their faces ahead of the march, and Winding Roads Photography will be capturing free photos throughout the event.

The public is also invited to trivia at the DNFC afterwards, where you can win 1 of 5 ribbon skirts and other prizes. A free lunch is also being provided.

“It’s events like this march that bring light and awareness to these issues,” she adds, noting the DNFC always has support services available for those in need.

A photo contest is also taking place until February 17, where residents can take a photo of themselves with a red handprint over their face to represent missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across the country.

A number of prizes will be available by emailing mentor@dnfconline.org.