(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: http://legacyofhope.ca/waniskahtan-wake-up-national-launch-march-23-24-2021/

La LHF œuvre pour encourager les gens à lutter contre le racisme et la discrimination afin de contribuer à l'égalité, à la dignité et à des relations justes entre tous. Nous continuerons de travailler avec les enseignants, les conseils scolaires, les universités, les services de police, les gouvernements, les fonctionnaires, les banques, les syndicats, les entreprises privées et les citoyens pour aider à atteindre ces objectifs. Le LHF offre une collection unique et complète de ressources, d'expositions, d'ateliers et de rapports de recherche à toute personne souhaitant en savoir plus sur les peuples autochtones et désireuse de travailler à la réconciliation. Nous croyons qu'une vraie réconciliation exige des efforts et des actions cohérents, positifs et éclairés de la part de tous.

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 http://legacyofhope.ca/ ou email: Courriel : tedwards@legacyofhope.ca

Pour les demandes médiatiques, contactez : Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B./J.D. Directrice générale et conseillère juridique interne Courriel : tedwards@legacyofhope.ca Tel : 613 237-4806, poste 303