
Excerpt of poster for "No Stone Unturned" event
Today marks the 4th annual No Stone Unturned gathering at The Forks. The concert and cultural gathering honours Manitoba's missing and murdered women and children.
Bernadette Smith is one of the organizers of the event. "When my sister first went missing we would have vigils and there would be no community there," she explained. "We wanted to create this place where we can feel supported by the community and get the community involved."
The free concert takes place at Oodena Celebration Circle at the Forks, starting at 1:00 p.m. and closing at 10:00 p.m. with a candlelight vigil.
Many musicians have stepped in to offer their support, including traditional singer Raven Hart Bellecourt, Troy Westwood (AKA Little Hawk), Hector Menow, and the Keewatin Otchitcha Traditional Women's Drum Group.
Melissa Spence, of Streetz FM, is one of the hosts for the day. She attended the first gathering which took place just a few months after Osborne went missing.
"I was overwhelmed by what I saw which was those who were directly affected by losing their loved one. I remember not being able to sleep at all that night and couldn't get the thought of just how serious of a problem this is and how long it's been going on for." Spence says she is committed to coming every year. "It's the least I can do, show love.
In addition to the music, artists Patrick Ross and Jackie Traverse will be producing paintings at the event that will be auctioned off. The proceeds will go to families who are actively searching for a missing family member.
The event is open to anyone who wants to support the families and friends of missing or murdered women in Manitoba.
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"Strong Woman Song" performed by Raven Hart Bellecourt and Lisa Muswagon.
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