The Montreal Massacre, FemFest and Polytechnique

This year is the 20th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, where 14 women were murdered at Ecole Polytechnique by Marc Lepine, because he hated feminism. Canadians wear purple ribbons and hold vigils to remember the women who died.  This year the Purple Ribbon Campaign has organized 20 days of action, that began on 11/16 with a screening of the film Polytechnique (trailer below) and continues through 12/6 with a Not So Silent Vigil, where women will scream in protest and rage.  For more information about the events check out the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women website.

FemFest 2009 will also run from November 27-29 as a celebration to honor women's voices, strengths and talents. FemFest is inspired by Riot Grrrl and DIY ethics and will feature music, belly dancers, spoken word, drag kings, a craft fair, and a children’s story night.