Local celebrations for this year’s International Women’s Day featured a successful community event in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, with the best turnout ever at the annual Aboriginal Friendship Centre celebration.

CUPE Metro District Council President Cindy McQueen, welcoming everyone, paid tribute to the heroic efforts of Downtown Eastside women. “You are the nurturers and the 24-hour caregivers,” McQueen told the large group. “Thank you for all the contributions you make in your community, your home life and in your families.”

First Nations elder Rita Blind, in her opening blessing, spoke about women’s role in today’s difficult world. “It is time for us women to take the reins, to bring back kindness, love, compassion and forgiveness for all that has happened to our people in this land and this country.” She called on women to come forward and for men to stand behind them.