Grand Forks to join thousands in Women's March against discrimination

By Shara JJ Cooper

This Saturday, Grand Forks residents will rally in support of the Women's March on Washington. The march will begin at 10 a.m. in Gyro Park, next to the Grand Forks and District Public Library. Hot beverages will be available while participants listen to a few speakers before they start the march around the downtown core. 

The march is a sister event to show solidarity for the thousands of women travelling to Washington, DC to be part of a historic march on the U.S. capital. For those unable to attend that event, 616 marches in 57 countries are being held to show support, including more than 24 Canadian cities. Participants will march and rally in solidarity with millions around the world, one day after the U.S. presidential inauguration. 

Locals are gathering to say loud and clear that discrimination will not be tolerated, and that we all stand in support of those who have been the targets of hate within Canada and abroad. This has fast become a global movement that will be around for years to come.

The marches, organized by a grassroots coalition, are expected to collectively be one of the largest international demonstrations ever assembled.

The outpouring of support from across Canada reflects its wide diversity, bringing together business owners, religious communities, labour groups, politicians, artists, students, girls, boys, women, men, and non-binary individuals  — just to name a few — everyone who believes that women’s rights are human rights will be marching on Jan. 21st.

A Call To Action will be presented at the march, calling on all political parties to adopt the HERS Priorities.  We hold to the truth that Healthcare, Economic Security, Representation, and Safety are Women’s Rights Priorities, and we insist that new programs and policy aiming to break down the systems that create gender inequality be built on our existing human rights framework — including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The march in Grand Forks will begin at 10 a.m. at Gyro Park. Speakers include Samantha Mercer-White (Women’s Representative for the Boundary Metis Community Association), Colleen Ross (Grand Forks City Councillor & NDP Candidate), Ian Mitchell (Youth and Family Counsellor). Participants are encouraged to wear pink hat or a “pussyhat” (pink cat hat) as a symbol of unity.