On this Valentine’s Day, people filled a Hamilton alleyway to honour the memory of a 19-year-old Indigenous woman who was murdered in 1995 and whose case has never been solved.

In a day dedicated to love into action, for many Indigenous people across the country it’s a time to call for justice.

Hamiltonians were among those joining the call, coming together in a powerful testament to love’s enduring strength.

It was an event held under the lamp post dubbed Helen’s Light to honour the memory of Helen Gillings and advocate for change.

It was an emotional day for those who knew her.

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Wawaskones Accra spoke of her friend Helen, saying “She was funny, always liked to joke around even though there was a lot of seriousness. She always protected me, made me aware of a lot of things. So she kinda was my protection, even though she got hurt and didn’t survive.”

For the first time, a temporary sign has gone up on the post sharing Gillings’ story. At city hall, staff are working to replace it with a permanent plaque.

“I want to encourage neighbours not only from ward 3 but from across the city to use this lamppost as a place for reflection.” said Ward 3 City Councillor Nrinder Nann.

Gillings was found murdered in an alley near King and Emerald Streets on Feb. 17, 1995.

According to Hamilton police, the last time Gillings was seen, she was walking into the alley with a man. She was just 19-years-old at a time and a sex worker in the area.

The man has been identified, but nearly 30 years later, the case hasn’t been solved.

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“There’s no way that there should be family and friends that have no closure still. These people deserve closure.” said Ashley Neganiwina of Shishigwaning First Nations.

Gillings’ murder is emblematic of a broader issue. According to Statistics Canada, Indigenous women and girls continue to be the victims of violence at higher rates than other groups.

This while a CBC analysis in 2023, just two of the 231 calls for justice in the national inquiry on the issue have been completed.

“Helen’s memory has endured for so long because she again is one of the missing and murdered Indigenous women, trans two spirit individuals in Canada and her memory has to endure. Her memory has to be alive.” said Jessica Bonilla-Damptey of Sisters in Spirit.

Those gathering in Helen’s memory join thousands who took to streets across Canada Wednesday to urge the federal government to take action.