30th Annual Take Back the Night March in Prince George

Calls to End all Forms of Violence Against
Women and Children

The 30th Annual Take Back the Night march was held in Prince George on September 23 to honour the memory of the women and girls who have not survived violence, to celebrate those who have, and to demand an end to all forms of violence against women and children.

Gathering at the Canada Games Plaza, participants received a warm welcome from Lheidli T’enneh Elder Edith Frederick followed by Dawn Hemingway, University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) professor and member of the Take Back the Night Organizing Committee, who highlighted the importance of working together, raising our collective voices and empowering ourselves to bring about the change we seek — creating a community and society free from violence. Poet and UNBC professor, Dr. Si Transken then shared a compelling five-part poem written especially for the occasion, followed by remarks from Prince George Mayor, Lyn Hall.

A powerful performance by the Khast’an Drummers launched the march through the streets of Prince George which included a stop at the Courthouse for a moment of silence. Organizers declared that “women should be able to walk down the streets of our city safely — and on our own — and we intend to do just that.” Expressing this sentiment, chants echoed through the streets: Women Unite — Take Back the Night! Women United Will Never be Defeated! Wherever We Go, However We Dress — No Means No and Yes Means Yes! Many local residents and organizations shared this sentiment and came together to sponsor and organize this successful event.

(Photos: RU.)

This article was published in:

Renewal Update No. 44, October 13, 2021

Article Link:
30th Annual Take Back the Night March in Prince George: Calls to End all Forms of Violence Against Women and Children