The Wolastoqiyik Sisters in Spirit is organizing a poetry slam in support of the missing Aboriginal women and men across Canada on Oct. 5 at St. Thomas University.
Ashley Nash, member of the planning committee for the Sisters in Spirit, said they are organizing the poetry slam in hopes of educating and drawing attention to the tragedy of violence perpetrated against women and men within Aboriginal communities. The Sisters in Spirit is hoping to use the passion and creativity of poetry to rally the community together and address this issue.
“It is an ongoing issue and hopefully people will be educated and in support of the national inquiry,” she said. “Hopefully it will start a conversation piece to show the issue is a much bigger problem than just in our province.”
The event is free and Nash said all you need to bring is your love and passion for poetry.
The first 10 performers to sign up for the poetry slam will be entered in a draw for a prize. Members of the audience will also be able participate in the poetry slam, not just by providing support to this issue, but by serving as judges in the contest. The audience will determine which performers make it to the Top 3 performances are, and they will receive a handmade prize.
Nash said Sisters in Spirit also encourages any political or community leaders to attend the event as their presence would be greatly appreciated.
“We’ve extended our invitation to members of parliament, MLAs, chiefs; we’ve asked them to support our events. We’re really hoping for them to attend the vigil. We’re hoping they will be present.”
Due to the sensitive nature of this subject, precautions have been taken to ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable during the event.
“What we plan to do is have on-site supporters in case anyone is triggered by the content, and we plan on having this available at every event. The performance will begin and end with a smudge or space and there will be a prayer by an elder,” Nash said.
The poetry slam will also serve as an excellent way to showcase the talent of poets within the community of Fredericton.
Nash said students will also find information on not only the poetry slam, but other various activities that will be happening during the Sisters in Spirit Week of Awareness from Oct. 3 to Oct. 8.
The event will be held in room G1 in the Sir James Dunn Hall building on St. Thomas University at 7 p.m.
