The annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil is taking place in St. John’s today.

The solemn event held each year on October 4th, honours missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Denise John, who works with First Light and helped organize the event, says the vigil helps bring together families who have to carry the “heavy burden” and grief of the loss of a loved one.

John says they make the event “culturally safe” for those who attend.

She says they will have Elders available to speak with those who need it. She says they want to be respectful towards families and make sure it is a place where they can “just be.”

The event is taking place at 6 p.m. at the First Light Centre for Performance and Creativity on Cochrane Street.