The annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women five-kilometre walk/run is returning to Grande Prairie for the sixth year.
The Grande Prairie Friendship Centre has hosted the event since 2018 as a way to raise awareness and honour the lives of the hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls around Canada.
According to the GP Friendship Centre, the rate of homicides against First Nations women and girls is six times higher than the rate of their non-Indigenous counterparts. One Grande Prairie Friendship Centre official says the run serves as an important reminder of those lost and presents a unique opportunity for residents to walk in solidarity with them.
“It’s open for anyone, and we encourage everyone to come out and support and wear red,” she says.
The 5K is scheduled for May 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Muskoseepi Park Amphitheater. Registration opens up on the 5th for $10, and the first 200 registrants will receive a commemorative medal.