Inuvik men ready to Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

As John Dempster strutted around in a pair of red high-heel shoes, testing them for Saturday's walk, he got some honks of approval from passing vehicles.

"They feel really uncomfortable to be quite honest with you," saidDempster, who just exchanged his sandals for the red pumps."I don't know how women do this."

The staff member withInuvik'sJustice committeeand other men from around Inuvik will walk a little taller Saturday as part of Walk a Mile in Her Shoes.

Walk the walk

The walk is part of an international event that brings awareness about how men need to stand up and speak out against domestic violence, sexual assault and rape.

"Most of the incidents I see would tend to be sexual assault and family violence. With overwhelmingly there being the most family violence," saidAli McConnell, who works with Inuvik Family Services, and osone of the walk's organizers.

In 2013, RCMP in the Northwest Territories received 412 domestic violence files 48 of whichwere in Inuvik.

Last year, that number territory-wide hit 448 cases, but in Inuvik, the town only reported 40 cases.

"I don't think there's a lot of opportunities for men to build awareness around this and show that they don't support family violence," McConnellsaid.

"And I am just hoping that it would show women in Inuvik that they have support. And that if they do want to come forward that they know people are out there who are willing to listen."

Talk the talk

For walkers like Dempster, this is also a chance for men to talk to each other."Maybe our attitudes to family violence will change and it will become socially unacceptable. Like the way drinking and driving has become socially unacceptable," he said.

The walk starts Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Inuvik's library and ends at Jim Koe Park with a BBQ.

Part of Mackenzie Road will be closed for the march between noon and1p.m.

The organizers were providing "official" Walk a Mile in Her Shoes high-heels that weremade especially for men.

"I would classify them as a hot red male pump," McConnell said.

But within a week of asking for male volunteers, all the 24 shoes ordered were taken.Nevertheless, organizers say anyone especially men with their heels, are welcome to participate.