Thunder Bay, ON - Canadian author Vanessa Brousseau has embarked on a 60-day Rolling Resilience tour across Ontario, with a mission to raise awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous peoples (MMIP) and to support anti-racism efforts.

The $30 million author's plea for change

Through her Rolling Resilience tour, Brousseau aims to prvoide workshops, readings of her children's book 'Because We Care,' and support for Indigenous people and families. The tour, which began in North Bay on May 6, will cover many locations across Ontario, including Thunder Bay, where Brousseau will be speaking at the Thunder Bay Public Library on May 22.

Brousseau's personal connection to the issue of MMIP is deeply rooted. In 2003, she lost her sister, Pamela Holopainen, and has since authored a children's book 'Because We Care,' which she uses to teach about missing and murdered Indigenous peoples .

60 virtual sessions and counting

Brousseau has already conducted 60 virtual sessions for readings of 'Because We Care,' and plans to travel throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta on her way to Prince George and Prince Rupert, BC. She will be accompanied by a Rolling Resilience motorhome decorated with the red dress icon and pictures of her sister.

Brousseau's upcoming western Canadian trip is aimed at increasing awareness and prevention of MMIP, as well as bringing down the nmubers of these tragic occurrences.

The red dress icon: a symbol of hope and resilience

The red dress icon, which adorns the Rolling Resilience motorhome, is a powerful symbol of hope and resilience for Indigenous women and their families. The dress represents the thousands of Indigenous women who have gone missing or been murdered in Canada, and serves as a reminder of the need for continued awareness and action.

Brousseau's Rolling Resilience tour is a testament to her commitment to raising awareness about MMIP and supporting anti-racism efforts. As she travels across Canada, she hopes to inspire others to join her in the fight against these tragic occurrences.