Indigenous community gathers in downtown London for Women’s Memorial March

CTV London’s Reta Ismail with the Women’s Memorial March for missing and murdered Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.

Indigenous community members and allies gathered in downtown London Friday morning for a powerful march to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and gender-diverse people.

A morning march filled with song and ceremony moved through the city’s core, led by Indigenous elders along Dundas Street as part of the annual Women’s Memorial March.

The event honours and remembers women and gender-diverse people whose lives were lost. Organizers say it is a day rooted in reflection, healing and a renewed commitment to change.

“This is in honour of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives,” said Bradley Stone, a community capacity builder with Atlohsa Family Healing Services. “It’s a day of action to do this work. We always start with prayer, ceremony and medicines. These are the things that help guide us in our journey as Indigenous peoples.”

Participants say the gathering reflects a growing reconnection to culture and community.

“There’s a healing that’s happening and a generational shift,” Stone said. “People are coming back to our ceremonies, our language, our songs and our dances, coming together in a good way.”

The route itself also carries deep meaning. Dundas Street follows an ancient trail once used by Indigenous peoples as a safer path around Lake Erie.

Community member Sara Mai Chitty says the trail helped ancestors avoid dangerous waters.

“It was originally a trail our people used so we could avoid crossing Lake Erie and treacherous waters,” she said. “This was a safe landing road. We’re honouring our ancestors, walking with them today in remembrance of all those who came before us and all those yet to come.”

The march paused at the intersection of Dundas Street and Adelaide Street for a 10-minute ceremonial round dance, accompanied by singing and drumming.

The moment offered reflection, unity and resilience shared across generations. Stone says while progress has been made, more work remains.

“There is a lot of growth and progress in society,” he said. “There’s still a lot more work to be done, but it’s powerful to feel this and see this happening.”

Organizers say events like the Women’s Memorial March are meant to keep the conversation going about justice, safety and healing within Indigenous communities.