Elder Elsie Paul of the Kokom Kisewatisowin Society will deliver the blessing to kick off the March On! Edmonton Collective rally on Jan. 20, and Muriel Stanley Venne, founder of the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, will join a growing list of speakers on the north steps of the Alberta Legislature that day at 1 p.m.
The rally is a demonstration of solidarity with those people who have been the targets of hate, remaining vigilant against discrimination. It is being held to ensure that the rights, freedoms, and sense of safety Canadians cherish are not taken for granted and hard-fought gains of inclusion are not reversed or diluted.
Other speakers include:
- Nasim Kherani, president of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women;
- Stephanie Shostak, a transgender advocate focusing on diversity and inclusion;
- Mimi Williams, a community volunteer, political activist, and media commentator; and,
- Debbie Reid, disability rights activist, most recently affiliated with the SKILLS Society, who will be joined by Amy Park, a member of the disability community who works at the Self Advocacy Federation as the Learning and Planning Coordinator.
The Raging Grannies will perform a few songs, reads a press statement.
The event will conclude with a solidarity walk around the Legislature's fountain area, accompanied by the sounds of Chubby Cree, a woman-led Indigenous drumming group.