Peace garden memorial to Montreal massacre victims
STORY BY DEVON GENERAL
PHOTOS BY TAYLOR SHAPPERT
On Dec. 6, 1989 a gunman stormed Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal shortly after 5 p.m. During his shooting spree he killed 14 women before turning the rifle on himself.
Since then, Dec. 6 has become known as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Soon after the shooting, Sheridan College created a peace garden outside of SCAET Wing as a permanent memorial to the victims of the massacre.
“It’s good to remember those that lost their lives,” said Shelley Barr, director of conferences and events, “but also to take the time to talk about violence against women.”
In front of a crowd of 30-plus students and faculty, VP of academic services Mary Preece addressed some of the larger social issues stemming from the event.
Laura Davies (far left) and Erica Konneh (middle left) read selected poems during the service.
“Each year since then, more women and their children have become victims,” she said. “This is an opportunity for Sheridan to reflect on why this keeps happening despite more education, more information and more awareness.”
Two social services students, Laura Davies and Erica Konneh, read selected poems to the audience.
Davies read Tracy Nelson’s Help Me.
“It really brings the heart to the issue more than any other poem I’ve read,” said Davies.
Konneh, who read Yes, I’ll Stay by Patrick Molichard-Chartier, said that she “felt very connected” to the story. She also called it “inspirational.”
Rose bearers walk to the peace garden in single file to pay their respects.
After the readings, 14 rose bearers – one for each victim – proceeded to the peace garden in single file. Forming a circle around the edge of the garden, they each laid down a rose as the victim’s names were read aloud. This was followed by a moment of silence.
“We take a stand against violence here today,” Preece said outside. “And we honour all of the victims of the massacre.”
The service lasted about 20 minutes, approximately the same length of time that the shootings took place.
Judy Gumbs lays a rose down in the peace garden.
The shooter, who reportedly was abused by his father, specifically targeted female students at the school. He claimed that “feminists ruined his life” in his suicide note. A list of names was also found of 19 Quebec women he believed were feminists.
“These victims have become symbols for action,” said Preece.
2013 is the 24th anniversary of the shooting.
SAVIS Halton, an organization that offers to support for women and transgender people in crisis through counselling, public education and outreach progams, supported the service. Its crisis line is 905-875-1555.
