Dozens gather in Sydney to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls
Dozens of people gathered and marched down George Street in Sydney, N.S., on Sunday to mark Canada's National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also known as Red Dress Day.
Red Dress Day started in 2010 when a Métis artist in Winnipeg hung hundreds of red dresses in public places, symbolizing the loss of Indigenous women and girls.
Rhenelda Denny of Eskasoni First Nation took part in Sydney's walk. Her 21-year-old daughter, Eleanor Young, went missing in 2023.
"I really need to know what happened to my daughter," said Denny.
Young's body was found in September 2023 along an embankment off Wentworth Creek in Sydney, just a few hundred metres from where Sunday's Red Dress Walk began in Wentworth Park.
"It's hard," Denny said of her family’s loss. “We wouldn't be able to do it without the support of the Ally Centre and the Jane Paul Centre."
During Sunday's ceremony, the Ally Centre of Cape Breton announced that a 25-unit rapid housing building under construction in Sydney's north end will be named in Young's memory.
"We decided that it would be best to name that building after Eleanor Young," said Christine Porter, executive director of the Ally Centre.
"The significance of that of course is that Eleanor died homeless and we feel that these housing initiatives really need to focus on those who are really on the streets and at the highest risk."
Twelve-year-old Rhyan Paul of Eskasoni, N.S., attended the walk to speak out about Indigenous girls not much older than herself who are part of the grim story emblematized by the red dresses.
"I want the world to ask themselves, 'Why are they allowing this?" Paul said. "It's just shoved into a drawer. They'll grieve, they'll cry about it, then they'll just forget it the next day."
The walk finished at the Jane Paul Centre - a safe haven for vulnerable Indigenous women and girls.
Meanwhile, Young's mother had a plea when it comes to her daughter's case.
"Somebody needs to come forward, really, with information regarding Eleanor's passing," she said.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Indigo Books & Music shareholders vote to approve privatization sale
Indigo Books & Music Inc. shareholders have voted to approve a deal that will see the retailer become a private company. The offer of $2.50 per share comes from Trilogy Retail Holdings Inc. and Trilogy Investments L.P., which have a 56 per cent stake in Indigo and are owned by Gerald Schwartz, the spouse of Indigo chief executive Heather Reisman.
Latest deadly weather in U.S. kills at least 20 as storms carve path of ruin across multiple states
Powerful storms killed at least 20 people, injured hundreds and left a wide trail of destruction across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where dozens sought shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
What Canadian grocery shoppers need to know about anticompetitive allegations
Amid mounting outrage over high grocery prices, a retail expert says there's a solution to fostering more competition in the country.
Arrests made in 'highly orchestrated' GTA auto theft operation: police
Peel Regional Police say they have arrested 16 suspects and issued arrest warrant for another 10 individuals in connection with an auto theft investigation carried out by a 'highly orchestrated criminal operation.'
North Korea launched a rocket likely carrying a second spy satellite. It's unclear if successful
North Korea launched a rocket likely carrying its second military spy satellite on Monday night, hours after its announcement of a plan to put a satellite into orbit drew strong rebukes from its neighbours.
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor fatally shot in Los Angeles
Former 'General Hospital' actor Johnny Wactor was fatally shot in downtown Los Angeles while interrupting thieves Saturday, according to his agent and CNN affiliate KABC.
Israeli attack on Rafah tent camp kills 45, prompts global outcry
An Israeli airstrike triggered a massive blaze killing 45 people in a tent camp in the Gaza city of Rafah, officials said on Monday, prompting an outcry from global leaders who urged the implementation of a World Court ruling to halt Israel's assault.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.