10th Annual Day of Mourning -Remembering Victims of the Sex Trade
August 14, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Pleasant Hill Park, 21st Street and Avenue U South, Saskatoon
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
It all started a decade ago, with a group of at-risk Saskatoon youth who shared the desire to honour one victim—a 14-year old girl exploited through the sex trade and then murdered in Calgary—and those like her, who are lost on and to our streets.
Every year since, youth gather to organize the 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. 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.
This year’s Day of Mourning events begin on Friday, August 14 at 6:30pm in Pleasant Hill Park, at 21st Street and Avenue U South in Saskatoon. Please join us in marking this occasion with greetings, prayers, blessings by Elders, drumming, dancing, and singing, and a candlelight vigil and march down 20th and 21st Streets, through the area where the sex trade is most prolific. The ceremony features a haunting original Day of Mourning-inspired performance by two talented members of Youth Committee, a reading of the victims’ names, and stories from “the street.” Performances include the the solemn and soulful drumming of the Sweetgrass Singers, the vocal stylings of Juanita Bird, fiddling sensation Dallas Boyer, and enigmatic dancer Leslie Paul. Chief Clive Weighill of the Saskatoon Police and City Councillor Charlie Clark will bring greetings, and the Youth Committee will read written commendations from Premier Brad Wall and Lieutenant Governor Gordon Barnhart. The evening culminates in a communal meal of Beth’s homemade soup and Nora’s famous bannock.
This event is made possible through the ongoing dedication of the volunteer Day of Mourning Youth Committee. We are youth who have all been touched—directly or indirectly—by the people whose lives have been lost. The Youth Committee organizes this event every year to remember the victims, to support the families left behind, and to give strength back into the community. The event also helps to educate people about the root causes of the sex trade, while educating high-risk youth about the very real dangers of this lifestyle.
The 10th Annual Day of Mourning is a public event, and we invite one and all to join us in honouring the victims on this very important occasion. Together, we can create a feeling of hope, dignity, and self-respect out of these tragedies by affirming our commitment and concern for the victims, making sure that they and their families know they are part of a caring community.
Check out the Song!! http://www.myspace.com/dayofmourning2009