Honouring and Remembering the Women Who Won’t be Forgotten

 
 

Take Back The Night: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

On November 26, Sheridan students, staff, and community members gathered at The Marquee, Trafalgar Campus, for ‘Take Back The Night.’ It was a powerful evening dedicated to reclaiming space, amplifying survivor voices, and standing together against gender-based violence. Organized by the college and Hayley, our Executive of Community Development & Partnerships, the event sparked conversations that reflect not only lived realities but also our collective role in creating safer learning environments.

Hayley, as the organizer and participant at the event, said, “Overall, the evening was a good place to begin shedding light on the gender-based violence. I was surprised to see a good attendance, not just from the women in the community but also from men. Ultimately, I’m glad Take Back the Night acted as a good catalyst for our faculty and staff to better understand how small things make a huge impact during such sensitive cases.”

Gender-based violence continues to shape and impact how students experience campus life, which impacts their sense of safety and academic success. The night’s march, chants, and shared stories reminded participants that change begins with awareness and action.

As one of the attendees, Rushaine, our Executive of Academic Integrity & Student Success, reflected:
“At Take Back the Night, every step, every act, and every chant fueled the movement to end violence against women. I was all in, using my voice to echo the message throughout.”

A central moment of the event was the impactful speech delivered by Sydney Brown, Indigenous Education & Engagement Coordinator at Sheridan College. Her speech highlighted the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), grounding the conversation in the realities faced by Indigenous communities across Canada. She encouraged the audience to deepen their understanding and take meaningful action. A very impactful part of her speech that remains with us:

“While the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People is still an ongoing crisis today, there are things you can do to help bring awareness to this. One way is to educate yourself through the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Inquiry’s final report, Reclaiming Power and Place, brings together the stories of more than 2,300 family members, survivors, and knowledge keepers, calling for transformative legal and social change.

Another way to show support and solidarity is by participating in Red Dress Day on May 5 -also known as the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S. By wearing red and attending community events, you are actively raising awareness of this crisis. Search the landfill. No more stolen sisters. Bring them home.”

 
 

On December 6, we  remember:
Geneviève Bergeron
Hélène Colgan
Nathalie Croteau
Barbara Daigneault
Anne-Marie Edward
Maud Haviernick
Maryse Laganière
Maryse Leclair
Anne-Marie Lemay
Sonia Pelletier
Michèle Richard
 Annie St-Arneault
Annie Turcotte
Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz
This tragedy shook the country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

In recognition of this day, Sheridan College and the Sheridan Student Union hosted a ceremony on December 5, 2025, at the Davis campus to remember the 14 young women.

You can watch the day of significance here and learn more about the day HERE.

 
 

Resources and Support links

Sheridan and the SSU remain committed to ensuring that survivors and community members have access to safe, confidential support.

Sheridan Student Resources and Support

  • Health Services: Sheridan Health Services can provide medical and mental health support. Call 905-459-7533 ext. 5153

  • EmpowerME: Sheridan Student Union Health and Dental coverage includes Empower Me, which allows students to connect with qualified counsellors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues. As a Sheridan student, you are entitled to sessions delivered by video-counselling or by e-counselling. You can get support for issues of any kind, including relationships, family care, depression, anxiety, addictions, stress, work conflicts, and much more. Visit the Empower Me Login page.

  • Good2Talk: Provides confidential support for college students. Available 24/7 everyday. Features an “escape button” if you’re interrupted. Call 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

  • KeepMeSafe Available 24/7 to support International/Multilingual students. Call 1-844-451-9700

Sheridan Employee Support

Off-Campus Resources for Students and Employees

If you are off-campus and looking for support, the Assaulted Women’s Helpline provides 24-hour, 7-day-a-week crisis counselling, emotional support, information, and referrals via telephone to women in up to 154 languages.

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

Halton Region

  • SAVIS: Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS of Halton) offers free and confidential 24/7, one-on-one crisis counselling services. Call 905-875-1555

  • Victim Services – Halton: Call 905-825-4777 ext.4923

Peel Region

*In case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or if on campus, call Campus Security at 905-815-4044*