Notice Board

December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Post-secondary institutions across Canada were forever changed on December 6, 1989, when the lives of 14 brilliant young women attending École Polytechnique in Montreal were lost to senseless violence. Targeted because they were women, their untimely deaths stood out as a shocking example of gender-based and sexual violence in Canada’s history. This year represents the 35th anniversary of this tragedy.

We are still dealing with ongoing violence against women, with one of the most recent hate-motivated acts occurring in June 2023 at the University of Waterloo, impacting students, staff and faculty. The work to end gender-based and sexual violence remains urgent.

It is important not only on Dec. 6  but moving forward, that we continue to tell the stories of the lives that were so cruelly cut short, and that we remember their names: Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault and Annie Turcotte.

The results of the recently launched provincial survey and the updated Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Policy demonstrate the University of Lethbridge’s commitment to listen, learn and act to create a safer campus for all. The research shows that many incidents of gender-based violence go unreported due to fear and stigma. We can play a role in bringing an end to gender-based violence, in part by offering an environment for these victims that allows their voices to be heard and creates a space within which they feel safe.

ULethbridge must continue its work to disrupt, discuss and dismantle gender-based and sexual violence on the campuses of post-secondary institutions, and be a leader within our communities. We must work to ensure all women and girls, including Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, gender diverse individuals, and women living with disabilities, feel safe, respected and empowered. Each deserve the right to health, safety, education and justice.

In memory of the 14 lives lost on December 6, 1989, and in recognition of the 35th anniversary, the ULethbridge Library will be unveiling the Peace Garden Mural which will be a place to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives that were cut short. The event will take place on the library main floor, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. This project is led by the library staff — Emma Scott, Marnie Rogstad and Jessica Davies — with the support of University Librarian, Dr. Harold Jansen, as part of its commitment to creating spaces where we all belong and feel safe. To learn more about the student artist — Claire Lahey — see a short description of how she conceptualized the Peace Garden. 

For more information on the event, please contact Marnie Rogstad (m.rogstad@uleth.ca) or Jessica Davies (jessica.davies@uleth.ca).

ULethbridge continues to support mandatory sexual violence prevention education training for all students. For more information on this, visit the FAQ page.

We acknowledge that this event and day can be triggering to many. Please reach out if you need support and connect with the Employee Family Assistance Program (faculty and staff). For students, please access assistance by contacting Counselling Services, Iikaisskini Indigenous Services, or connect with an Elder in Residence.

Dr. Digvir Jayas, OC, PhD, DSc, PEng, PAg, FRSC 
Blackfoot name: Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo)
President and Vice-Chancellor 

Martha Mathurin Moe, BA, MEd
Blackfoot name: Aka-isam-o’too (Arrived a Long Time Ago)
Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

For more resources, consider the following links:

Final Report on the National Inquiry of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day
https://women-gender-equality.canada.ca/en/commemorations-celebrations/16-days/16-days-2023.html