For our April issue, BCIT Broadcast Journalism student Beth Mariam interviewed Lorelai Williams about her advocacy work in Vancouver’s indigenous community. In 2012, Lorelai started a dance troupe called Butterflies in Spirit who perform in dance and drum circles across Canada to keep the memory of hundreds of missing and murdered indigenous women alive. Lorelai was tired of the inaction and injustice of police and government around the national crisis of MMIW, some including her own family and friends. With each beat of their drums and traditional instruments, the group releases their pain and keeps the memory of loved ones alive.
“We need a relationship that’s not based on fear or intimidation.” — Lorelai Williams
Learn more about Butterflies in Spirit in this documentary we found produced by CBC and be sure to check out our story on Lorelai in our latest issue on stands around campus and online here.