In 1991 the Parliament of Canada declared December 6th as the National Day of Remembrance and Action to End Violence Against Women. It was on December 6, 1989, a day known as the Montreal Massacre, that 14 women were systematically separated from the men and killed by one man at École Polytechnique de Montréal, for no other reason except they were women.
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, the Chatham-Kent Coordinating Committee to End Violence Against Women will host a special event on Friday, December 6th beginning at 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Studio 1 – Chatham Cultural Centre, 75 William Street North in Chatham.
The December 6th remembrance will feature a keynote presentation by Samra Zafar; survivor, international speaker, bestselling author and human rights advocate. Additionally, a message of Reflections – 30 Years Later, written by Jack Todd who was one of the first reporters to arrive on the scene at the Polytechnique on December 6, 1989, will be relayed on his behalf.
A light lunch will be provided and Samra’s memoir, A Good Wife – Escaping the Life I Never Chose, will be available for purchase. Samra will be available to sign her book! While there is no cost for admission, donations for local food banks would be appreciated.