A gathering focused on ending sexual violence will take place at Yellowknife’s Somba K’e Park on September 18.
Take Back the Night is a global movement that works to end sexual violence, including sexual assault, harassment, trafficking, and relationship violence, while offering support to survivors in their healing journey.
Yellowknives Dene First Nation drummers and a prayer by Elder Darlene Powder will kick off Thursday’s event at 6pm.
The gathering is co-hosted by the Yellowknife Women’s Society, Native Women’s Association of the NWT, Status of Women Council of the NWT, Home Base YK, NWT Seniors’ Society and YWCA NWT.
Speeches will be followed by a short march through the city’s downtown. The night will conclude at Javaroma Gourmet Coffee and Tea, where free stew will be provided by the Yellowknife Women’s Society.
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“The need for this awareness is especially urgent in the Northwest Territories. Statistics Canada reported in 2020 that more than half of women (52%) and men (54%) in Canada’s territories have been victims of at least one sexual or physical assault since the age of 15,” stated a Monday news release.
“Though anyone can experience sexual violence, women are statistically at much higher risk; the same 2020 report showed women in the North were three times more likely than men to have been sexually assaulted at least once since age 15.”
