CORAL HARBOUR - A group of women took to the streets in Coral Harbour earlier this month to walk against violence, and to remind people the struggle still goes on to defeat violence against women.

The walkers also paid homage to the 14 women who were gunned down at Montreal's Ecole Polytechnique by Marc Lepine on Dec. 6, 1989, and the families of the many females who have gone missing in Canada during the past decade.

Coral Harbour Mayor Dorothy Ningeocheak organized the event with the help of the hamlet's acting senior administrative officer, Leonie Pameolik.

Ningeocheak said a special event is held in Coral every year to remember those who died at Ecole Polytechnique, and to remind people there is still a long ways to go in ending violence against women.

She said a moment of silence was held in the community in 2009, and she decided to organize a walk this year to make the sentiment more visible.

"It's important we don't allow ourselves to forget tragedies such as what happened in Montreal," said Ningeocheak.

"We all have to do what we can to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"It's also important for us to show that we care."

Ningeocheak said she feels there is progress being made in the battle to fight violence against women.

She said the more people speak out and take action, the more violence against women will be reduced.

"You can't just sit back, pretend it doesn't exist and do nothing.

"Even in our small community, people told us it was good for us to hold the walk to draw attention to the women who have been murdered or who have gone missing and never been found.

"Many of their families are still looking for them today and they deserve everyone's support.

"Every little bit helps and I'm sure Coral will continue to hold something every year - moment of silence, feast or a walk - to show our community remembers."

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