For Our Sisters is an unflinching heart-felt call to compassion and action from a non-Indigenous woman to urge everyone to take action to end the disproportionate violence against Indigenous women and girls.
Did this song move you? Then here are some things you can do:
1. You can learn more about Families of Sisters in Spirit (FSIS) and the important work they do to support the Families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, and to demand justice, on FB: www.facebook.com/pages/Families-of-Sisters-in-Spirit/169989823049052. Please note FSIS has two big events each year in Ottawa, a Vigil on 4 Oct, and a Day of Justice on 14 Feb.
2. For contact info and to donate, go to: familiesofsistersinspirit.com
History of the song: The song was written in January 2012 on the way to a FSIS Event, and first performed in public at the 14 Feb 2012 FSIS Day of Justice on the Hill. In Solidarity with #IdleNomore, the studio recording was released on 21 Dec 2012, the Idle No More Day of Action in Ottawa. It was also Solstice, an auspicious day for us to each set Intentions to make this World kinder and more fair. ♥
This write-up will be updated to honour indigenous women and girls as new cases are reported. Until it stops! ♥
lyrics
For Our Sisters
by Vela
she is your mother, she is your daughter,
your sister, wife, cousin, granddaughter,
she is your aunt, niece, partner, your friend
what if she never came home again?
if she disappeared
imagine all your fears
and if she were found
wouldn't you move the whole damn world,
just to go get her
and if she died,
wouldn't you be tempted to get revenge,
even though you know better
if she cried
wouldn't you notice?
needed help
wouldn't you care?
wouldn't you be there?
how to understand
cruelty by our fellow man
our society is to blame
why do we allow this shame?
how many Indigenous women
will go missing before you listen?
how many Indigenous women
will be lost before you listen?
First Nations, Metis, Innu
Aboriginal, Inuit, me, you,
every human being
is a miracle, has a dream
no one should ever take a life away
and how are we each complicit every day?
we need change right now
stop asking when or how
the change begins when you dare to care
for women here, there, everywhere
she is your mother, she is your daughter,
your sister, wife, cousin, granddaughter,
she is your aunt, niece, partner, your friend
what if she never came home again?
if she disappeared
imagine all your fears
and if she were found
wouldn't you move the whole damn world,
just to go get her
and if she died,
wouldn't you be tempted to get revenge,
even though you know better
the change begins when you dare to care.
credits
from Beautiful Resistance DEMO,
track released December 21, 2012
Song and lead vocals: Vela. Guitar and bass, guitar soundscape composition: Kevin Guerette. Traditional Drum: Grandmother Francine Payer, Aki Songideye Ikwe. Back up vocals: Maria-Hélèna Pacelli, Lily Polowin, and Kevin Guerette. Lead guitar composition: Alister Ógui Augé.
My singer-songwriter name is Vela, "candle". The candle is a symbol of hope. A candle casts a warm healing light. It lights
up dark places. Even a modest candle can ignite a bonfire of change.
My songs shine an unflinching light on topical issues. I also revel in the delicious ridiculousness of life. I love co-creating exhilarating harmonies and soundscapes to share with you, dear listener....more
Words cannot express the wonder-fullness. Kevin's voice & guitar are sublime, the lyrics will indeed lighten & enlighten. So listen, download, & feel the good vibes ♥ Vela
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