Take Back the Night 2017

October 19th, 2017, a brisk Thursday night I was sure was going to be a cold walk. Right from work, bundled up in multiple layers, I was prepared to forget the weather and take in as much of the experience that was to come. A “Take Back the Night Winnipeg” rally was being held downtown at the University that night and it would be my first experience at a rally like this; I didn’t know what to expect.

Upon arrival, my friends and I learned the theme for this years rally was “We Believe Survivors”. At this time, in early October, the #MeToo movement was being highlighted more and more within mainstream media and Harvey Weinstein had recently been accused of sexual assault on multiple accounts.

Photograph: Asha Nelson

The theme "We Belive Survivors" caused a certain dynamic within the large group of individuals spread throughout the cafeteria turned safe meeting space; it was a buzzing anger mixed with passion and a need to speak out. Even with this, in hindsight, I don’t think anyone would have thought of the impact these two incidents coinciding with one another would cause.

Today, three months later, an increased focus, unlike anything that I have ever experienced, is being placed upon the testimonies of individuals about their personal experiences with and against the perpetrators of sexual misconduct and assault. It is difficult news to hear and see because it seems that everyday there is a new person, actors, politicians, businessmen and the like, that are being accused of assault on a significant platform or scale.

On the other hand, this news is filled with hope for a future where individuals who have experienced sexual assault are believed and supported when they come forward with accusations against their perpetrators and said perpetrators face justice accordingly. It is a future separate from the narrative many are used to; one of silence and disbelief.

That night, there was also a significant focus on the importance of placing a much needed light on the voices of those belonging to various minority groups. Especially in Winnipeg and all across Canada, the need for a focus on Indigenous perspectives, in particular, those of Indigenous women, on their experiences is extremely prevalent and long overdue to say the least. Winnipeg is located on Treaty One territory, this means that Winnipeg is located upon the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene Peoples, as well as the homeland of the Metis Nation. As a result of the history of the city of Winnipeg and on a larger scale, the history of Canada that often is overlooked or disregarded, it is a crucial time to focus the narrative to view Indigenous perspectives as a priority when discussing issues in our city and country. Being able to listen to the perspectives of those speaking, such as the experiences of women of colour, varying identities and orientations, abilities and more was such an eye opening experience. To bring light to the fact that intersectionality definitely plays a role when discussing sexual violence against women was much more impactful when hearing it first hand from advocates or survivors.

Once it was time to begin marching with a sense of community and mutual respect and support for one another, we put on our hats and mitts and were ready to go out. Being led by a group of indigenous women playing the traditional drum and signing traditional songs, we felt ready to take back the night. It was an atmosphere of inspiration and solidarity with one another as women and men of varying backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations, identities, abilities and ages. It was an eye opening experience into the realities of many people that I never would have thought were possible realities prior.

The short walk chanting and catching the attention of passers by held a feeling that in our own community we were bringing awareness to an issue that seems so significant and almost at times, beyond us. It was a feeling that change was taking place, and if the recent events in the world are any indication, it was only the beginning of a new and much needed conversation on the support of those that have experienced sexual assault.

Photograph: Asha Nelson

Check out the Take Back the Night Organization for the incredible work they do and the support they provide <https://takebackthenight.org>

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