‘Talking about abuse can stop it,’ White Ribbon Day organizer says

Alexia Cousins choked back tears while lighting the qulliq to open the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum in Iqaluit on Saturday afternoon.

Naja Ejesiak, left, and Jaia Healey-Akearok perform as members of the Inuksuk Drummers and Dancers on Saturday. The performance was part of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women at Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum. (Photo by Daron Letts)

“Just like these flames connect, as we connect, we are stronger and brighter,” she said. “Support each other. Be connected and, just like the flames, burn bright.” 

Close to 100 people attended the event organized by the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council.

It was among many similar gatherings across the country to honour the lives lost on Dec. 6, 1989, when a heavily armed Marc Lépine entered École Polytechnique in Montreal and fatally shot 14 female students and staff.

Also known as White Ribbon Day, it has become an annual observance to call for an end to violence against all women.

Council president Amber Aglukark, who said she is a survivor of gender-based violence herself, described Dec. 6 as “one of Qulliit’s most sombre days.”

However, coming together as a community helps survivors of gender-based violence to heal, she added.

Qulliq-lighter Alexia Cousins receives an embrace from Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council president Amber Aglukark, at Nunatta Sunakktaangit Museum in Iqaluit, Saturday. (Photo by Daron Letts)

“What we know is that talking about abuse can stop it,” she said.

A march from the city’s Four Corners intersection preceded the remembrance ceremony. The numbers swelled from about three dozen at the starting point to close to 75 as the crowd poured into the museum.

Participants held handmade signs demanding to “End the violence against women” and to “Stop violence now.”

Hearing stories from women in the community who have survived gender-based violence left an impression on Mary Claire Guilbeault, a Grade 10 student.

“It puts into perspective how many people actually went through this,”  said Guilbeault, who is a member of the Inuksuk Drummers and Dancers group that performed at the event.

The teens performed three songs throughout the afternoon. They sat on the floor listening to the speakers between songs.

“It was very heavy,” said Lucy Kwan, a Grade 11 student in the troupe.

“I can’t imagine how much it affects people who have had violence done to them.”

The event was supported by the Government of Nunavut, YWCA Agvik, the Law Society of Nunavut, and the RCMP’s Nunavut division.

“We’re gaining more and more momentum toward making it normal and safe to open up,” Aglukark said. “It feels empowering.”

By the end, tears had dried, but the qulliq burned until the last hug.

For anyone who needs to talk, the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line is Nunavut-specific and offers services in Inuktitut. Phone: 979-3333 for Iqaluit residents and 1-800-265-3333 for other Nunavummiut.