Last Friday afternoon, the Keeshkeemaquah Centre was the location of an event honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys as well as raising awareness around mental health for men.

The ceremony featured emotional stories from families who had lost their loved ones, background on the symbolism of the beaded ties displayed at the event, and traditional music, as the discussion around Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys was put in the spotlight.

Fittingly, the event was held on International Men's Day, which as Ohitika/Ogichidaa (Warrior) Wellness Coordinator Jason Gobeil of Dakota Ojibway Child & Family Services says, was no coincidence.

"Today, International Men's Day, is an opportunity to highlight and acknowledge the contributions of our men, our brothers, our fathers, our grandfathers and our sons. Whether it be in society and in community, or in our own circles." Gobeil continues his strong message. "Let's honour our men today, and let's acknowledge the fact that there is a low narrative, if anything, a non-existent narrative right now on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Men and Boys."

Gobeil emphasizes that the day is an opportunity to kickstart the conversation about these men and boys who have been left in the dark.

"What would I like people to take away from today is an opportunity to start a conversation, an opportunity to punch into Google: 'Murdered and Missing indigenous Men in Manitoba' or in whatever province that you're living in. Start taking a look at the information that's out there, or that's not out there. We're not reporters, but we are definitely journalists within our own communities and our families. We are the storytellers of those that are no longer here, but we need to start making sure that those stories are told."

Gobeil adds that just starting these conversations is a crucial step towards everyone's voice being heard, which in the end, is all he wants to see.

"Let's change tomorrow by starting today." Concludes Gobeil.