Jake Kennedy
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 25/02) - They marched through the streets chanting "no more fear, no more silence; hear our voices, stop the violence."

About 80 women, men and children of all ages took part in Yellowknife's 12th annual Take Back the Night march. The walk through city streets is designed to raise awareness of sexual violence.

"The more we march, the more we talk, and the more other people talk. More and more people are recognizing they want to do something about the violence," said organizer Barbara Saunders, who is also the executive director of the NWT Status of Women Council.

Saunders said she was overwhelmed by the turnout Thursday night.

"I can't believe how many people came out. It's great. Definitely more than last year," she said.

Bob Brooks, who said he hasn't missed a march yet, was also impressed with the turnout.

He added that this year's march route, which took the group to the Frame Lake trail behind City Hall, and down the alleyway behind the Gold Range hotel, targeted some of Yellowknife's problem areas.

"I've been down that alley (behind the Gold Range) and seen people passed out, seen people fighting. It's good to see the back streets, get to the back alley, because sometimes we forget that's where the real problems are," Brooks said.

Mildred Wilke, who also said she has been at all 12 marches, said the event makes people stop and think.

"It gets people's attention, even the passersby in the cars. They have to stop for a bit, and they see and hear what we're saying," Wilke said.

"It's important that we are here, speaking with a passionate voice."