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In recognition of Prisoners’ Justice Day, a rally was held at a Regina correctional centre Thursday to remember those who have experienced abuse and have died from murder, suicide or neglect while in prison.

Organized by the Saskatchewan Coalition Against Racism, a group of approximately 20 people marched peacefully from the Highway 46 access to the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre up to its main gate.

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They were guided by the powerful pounding of a drum circle set up in the grass across from the centre’s entrance. According to some of the participants, inmates at the RPCC knew the rally was going to take place and were looking forward to hearing the drumming.

“I want them to know that they’re not forgotten people. And hopefully they hear our songs and our prayers and … someday they’ll come home to their families, their wife and kids,” said Lillien Piapot, who led a prayer at the rally.

Many of those in attendance were Indigenous and spoke about the disproportionate number of Indigenous people in the prison system and the violence they face when inside.