Photo: Okanagan College

Candlelight vigils are planned at the Vernon and Salmon Arm campuses of Okanagan College this afternoon.

Dec. 6 marks the 33rd anniversary of the Ecole Polytechnique massacre in Montreal in which an armed gunman walked into a classroom, separated the men from women, and open fire. Fourteen women were murdered, 13 others were injured.

Since that horrific day, post-secondary institutes across the country have been holding vigils as a symbolic commitment to end violence against women.

“Sadly, we know violence against women persists in our communities,” says Meri Kim Oliver, vice-president of students at the college. “Okanagan College stands in solidarity with survivors of violence, and with the families and friends of murdered and missing women in our communities.”

Vigils have grown in attendance through the years as more people learn how Indigenous women are more likely to experience violence – “and as people in the community experience this tragedy for themselves, with several women missing from Salmon Arm, Enderby and Vernon.”

“Our sincere hope is that this event once again can offer an opportunity for reflection, remembrance and healing,” says Oliver. “We also recognize that members of our own learning community may experience difficult emotions on this day, and in the days that follow. We encourage students and employees to reach out to the supports available through the college and in the community.”

The community is welcome to participate in the events.

In Salmon Arm, attendees are invited to gather on campus at 4:45 p.m. Food will be served in the cafeteria at 5 p.m. The vigil will take place in the courtyard at 6:30.

In Vernon, attendees are invited to gather in the cafeteria at 4 p.m. The outdoor vigil will begin at 4:45 p.m.

More information is available on the Salmon Arm and Vernon events pages. Given the difficult nature of the event, a special resources section has been established on the pages, which includes links to community services, interventions and crisis support.