(Ottawa, ON) March 18, 2021 –The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is pleased to announce the virtual launch of our newest traveling exhibition, titled Waniskahtan – Honouring the Lives and Legacies of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and LGBTQ2S+. Waniskahtan will educate and bring greater awareness about the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), and lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer, two-spirit, plus (2SLGBTQ+), in order to commemorate them, and to prevent future occurrences by identifying ways to promote safety and security for Indigenous Peoples.

This project was a commemoration initiative for the LHF, which was made possible through the Government of Canada’s investment over two years via the Commemoration Fund by the Department of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) on June 24, 2019. The Legacy of Hope Foundation worked with multiple families and communities from across Canada to help with the development of the travelling Exhibition and Activity Guide that honours their loved ones, and powerfully exposes the racism, sexism and violence they faced in attempt to build a safer future.

The LHF would like to express its sincere gratitude and acknowledge the project Elder Irene Compton, the Project Advisory Committee and the families for their considerable support and guidance throughout the project. The National Launch and Family Gathering will be a two-day event and will be virtually hosted through the zoom platform on March 23 and March 24 beginning at 11:00 a.m. EDT and ending at 5: 00 p.m. EDT each day. Along with the unveiling of the traveling exhibition – Waniskahtan, the LHF will showcase up to 10 hours of programming from speakers, activists and performers. To join us and register for the event, please visit: https://legacyofhope.ca/waniskahtan-wake-up-national-launch-march-23-24-2021/

The LHF works to encourage people to address racism and discrimination in order to contribute to the equality, dignity, and just relationships among all. We will continue to work with teachers, school boards, universities, policing agencies, governments, officials, banks, unions, private businesses, and citizens to help meet these goals. The LHF offers a unique and comprehensive collection of resources, exhibitions, workshops, and research reports to anyone wanting to learn about Indigenous Peoples and willing to work toward Reconciliation. We believe true Reconciliation requires consistent, positive, and informed effort and action by everyone.

The public can also visit the Legacy of Hope Foundation website at www.legacyofhope.ca for more information and to leave their own message of peace, hope, and Reconciliation. Waniskahtan, is Swampy Cree and means “wake up.” On project conclusion the exhibition, will be added to the roster of 19 exhibitions, which can be borrowed by hosts for free, and will circulate across Canada. For more information on the Legacy of Hope Foundation, visit https://legacyofhope.ca/ or email: info@legacyofhope.ca

For media inquiries:
Teresa Edwards, B.A. JD.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
Phone:  613-237-4806 Ext. 303 info@legacyofhope.ca