Poster-highway-of-tears-featSource: Press Release
Approximately 1,200 Canadian Aboriginal women have gone missing or been murdered since the 1960s. Half of the cases remain unsolved. Highway 16 in Northern British Columbia, known as the Highway of Tears, has become a symbol for the missing and murdered. Although every community along the highway has been affected, many Canadians are still unaware of the epidemic levels of violence against Aboriginal women. On Friday June 26th, a coalition of community organizations will host a screening of the documentary "Highway of Tears" at the Grey Bruce Health Unit at 101 -17th Street East Owen Sound, starting at 7pm.

The issues is complex. "Highway of Tears" explores the effects of generational poverty, residential schools, systemic violence, and high unemployment on First Nation reserves and how they tie in with the missing and murdered women in the Highway of Tears cases. Aboriginal women are considered abject victims of violence but the documentary shows what First Nation leaders are doing to try and swing the pendulum in the other direction.

Friday's screening will also include a discussion with Gladys Radek who lived most of her life on Highway 16. Gladys has organized numerous walks in Canada to raise awareness of the missing and murdered Aboriginal Women after her niece went missing. Admission is free. All are welcome.