Photo: Contributed

Nicole Bell, Deanne Wertz, Ashley Simpson and Caitlin Potts all went missing in the Splatsin Nation territory.

Ashley Simpson, Deanne Wertz, Nicole Bell and Caitlin Potts all went missing three years ago from the North Okanagan-Shuswap area and while they may be gone, they are not forgotten.

They are a few of the many women who have disappeared across Canada.

On Saturday the Indigenous Women and Girls Wellness Day will be held at the Schubert Centre to remember those who are missing or have been murdered.

Patricia Wilson, with the North Okanagan Friendship Centre, said everyone is welcome to attend the event that starts at 11 a.m.

Wilson said the event will honour not only the missing women, but their families and supporters as well.

“It's for whoever wants to come and support and learn more about what we are trying to achieve in terms of moving forward with the national inquiry and continue to uphold and protect our indigenous women and families,” said Wilson. “The key thing is to continue to keep the awareness alive. As of today, we still have missing indigenous women and girls. It's right in out backyard and that keeps it very much alive.”

Wilson said the issue has been ongoing for some time “and it doesn't seem to be stopping so we need supporters and allies and advocates to help keep our indigenous women and girls and families safe and all others who are vulnerable.”

Indigenous women's advocate Jody Leon will be the keynote speaker at the event.

Leon has worked tirelessly in recent years to keep awareness of the local missing women in the public eye and to advocate for all missing women.

Saturday's event will also have a variety of information booths set up.

“We are also asking anyone who wants to show support to bring a red item of clothing whether it be a scarf or a T-shirt or a dress of a skirt that denotes we are still remembering those who are missing and and are lost to us. That is a small way people can show support for us,” said Wilson.