Tree of Hope Tree Lighting Event

The Akwesasne Family Wellness Program, Cornwall Police and the City of Cornwall are proud to announce the Tree of Hope tree lighting event, which will take place on December 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lamoureux Park, near the clock tower. This event aims to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and two-spirit people .(MMIWG2S). It will take place during the same week as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, which falls within the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The Tree of Hope event is a significant occasion where the community is invited to come together to remember and honour the lives of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people who have been lost or impacted by violence.

The Tree of Hope will be adorned with red lights and ribbons, symbolizing our collective commitment to ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. Each light represents a life lost, a family’s resilience, and our shared commitment to justice, healing, and change.

Shara Francis-Herne, the Program Manager at the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program (AFWP), highlighted the significance of the event for the Akwesasne community: "The Tree of Hope is a powerful symbol of our resilience and hope. It represents our unwavering commitment to honouring the lives of our lost sisters and to supporting the families who continue to seek justice and healing.”

Farhana Meghji, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Coordinator for Cornwall Police, expressed her heartfelt sentiments about the event: "The Tree of Hope is an important symbol of solidarity. As we stand alongside Indigenous communities, we recognize the importance of supporting families in their pursuit of justice and healing, and our ongoing commitment to listen, learn, and act.”

Katherine Wells, the Director of Government Relations and Corporate Priorities at the City of Cornwall, emphasized the importance of community solidarity: "This event is a crucial moment for our city to stand in solidarity with Indigenous families & communities. By lighting the Tree of Hope, we are shining a light on the need for ongoing action and support to address the systemic issues that contribute to violence against Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people."

The Tree of Hope tree lighting event will feature a series of meaningful activities, including:

• A moment of silence to honour the lives of MMIWG2S
• Traditional Indigenous songs and prayers
• Speeches from community leaders and advocates
• Ceremonial drumming, fire, and smudging
• Lighting of the Tree of Hope to symbolize hope, resilience, and collective commitment to action

The Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony aligns with the calls to action from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people and encourages the community to stand in solidarity with Indigenous families and survivors.