13th Annual Day of Mourning - Remembering Victims of the Sex Trade
Tuesday August 14, 2012
Pleasant Hill Park, 21st Street and Avenue U South, Saskatoon
It all started a decade ago, with a group of at-risk Saskatoon youth who were inspired by the tragic death of one victim—a 14-year old girl exploited through the sex trade and murdered in Calgary—to honour and remember all such victims, those lost on and to our streets.
Every year since, youth gather at EGADZ to organize this Day of Mourning, to honour the children, women, and men who have lost their lives through involvement in the exploitation that is the sex trade in Saskatoon. Through the efforts of these committed young people, August 14th is officially recognized by the Government of Saskatchewan as the Day of Mourning to honour those who have lost their lives to murder, suicide, overdose, and disease related to the sex trade.
DAY OF MOURNING
YOUTH ORGANIZING COMMITTEE c/o EGADZ Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre Inc. 301-1st Avenue North, Saskatoon SK S7K 1X5
tel: 306.931.6644 | email: Day of Mourning Committee
Listen to amazing, chilling, passionate Day of Mourning songs on MySpace, written, composed, and performed by our very own Mike Scott and Jessica: http://www.myspace.com/dayofmourning2009
Every now and then, when we least expect it
they show up in our dreams
to let us think of them again
to let us know one day
we will be together again
until then we are together
once a year
on the Day of Mourning
—excerpt from Untitled (Day of Mourning), L.L. 2009
On this day
we remember the forgotten
a day to recognize
and put our hearts & thoughts in
On this day
it is to reminisce
and to not forget
all the beautiful promises
This day
is to memorialize
all the wonderful things
and feelings we once had
Every now and then
when we least expect it
they show up in our dreams
to let us think of them again
to let us know one day
we will be together again
until then
we are together
once a year
on the Day of Mourning
Lookin at these streets
thru the eyes of a stranger
i see all these kidz
livin life life a ganster
praying 2 god
askin' why couldn't he save her
take away the pain
from the hurt 'n anger
but i guess he did
he let her rest in peace
i can't find joy on the streets at night
when she usta buy roc
just 2 put it in her pipe
or in the rain
she could hide her pain
stickin needlz thru her veinz
we could all c the hurt
sum people question
what your life was worth but
now that you're gone
n you body has
returned to the earth
2 u i contribute this verse
but at the end of every story
all we have left is
another day of mourning.
Today is filled with anger, fueled with hidden hate
scared of being outcast, afraid of common fate.
Today is built on tragedies which no one want to face
nightmares to humanities and morally disgraced.
Tonight is filled with rage
violence in the air
children bred with ruthlessness because no one at home cares.
Tonight I lay my head down but the pressure never stops gnawing
at my sanity
content when I am dropped
but tomorrow I see change, a chance to build anew.
Built on spirit
intent of heart
and ideals based on truth
and tomorrow I wake with second wind and strong because of pride
to know I fought with all my heart to keep my dreams alive.
If in my quest to achieve my goals
I stumble
or crumble
and lose my soul
those that knew would easy co-sign
there was never a life as hard as mine.
No father no money no chance and no guide
I only follow my voice inside.
If it guides me wrong and I do not win
I’ll learn from my mistake and try to achieve again.
.jpg)
