By Bea Rouse — Contributor

On Thursday Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., a large group of Bishop’s students and faculty gathered on Optimist Field for the fifth annual Take Back the Night event in support of survivors of sexual violence – particularly violence against Indigenous women and two-spirit people – and to protest the ongoing issues of rape culture in the community. The night began with a land acknowledgement and speeches from members of the Sexual Culture Committee (SCC) about the progress since last year and the road ahead. SRC President Camilla Rizzi shared her experiences as an Indigenous woman living with the horrifying disappearances of so many Indigenous women, children, and two-spirit people.

The night began with a slight delay caused by the passage of trains, during which the crowd practised chanting: “No means no, it doesn’t mean maybe. Don’t touch me, I ain’t your baby”, “My body, my choice” and “No more violence, no more silence!” The march then commenced around Lennoxville to a cacophony of support from drivers and community members. There was a safe space at BUnited available and a quiet zone at the back of the march with earplugs available for people who were sound sensitive.

Concluding at the white gazebo, the SCC closed with a speech and Vicky Boldo, Special Advisor of Indigenous Student Support, led the crowd in the Wildflower song; a song Boldo has shared with us, which many have learned and sing boisterously.

This march stands as a small-scale symbol of taking control and providing a safe campus and community for everyone in the near future.

CALACS Aggression Estrie has a 24/7 helpline at 819-563-9999 that provides support to survivors and those who support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.