Accord said there have been dozens of murders of young Somali men since the early 2000s in Alberta.

On Saturday, Edmontonians were invited to walk in solidarity with local Somali community members and honour the lives lost.

"Not only to bring awareness to murders of young people in the community, but bring a sense of closure for families struggling with the loss,” Accord said.

The Walk for Justice also coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Dozens joined the march, making their way from Edmonton’s Muslim Cemetery and walking approximately 25 kilometers to Churchill Square.

Those participating also called on all forms of government to alsoaddress the criminalization and arbitrary detention of youth.

"There’s racial bias that takes place here as well,” said Knia Singh, co-founder of the Osgoode Society Against Institutional Injustice. "Arbitrary detention, illegal search and seizure, but I think what’s most important is that the communities need the support of the politicians and agencies — and there’s a disconnection.”

Singh, a Toronto-based lawyer, was invited to Edmonton to share his experiences on racial injustices (delete) and advise local leaders on better advocacy within their communities.

"We can’t have a system that claims to be free and democratic, and yet there is discrimination,” Singh explained.

"It’s about co-operation and community, and the main thing is communication. It’s about understanding both sides. I don’t think there is a negative or ill intent for people who are in positions of power; but if they never have the hard conversations or they’re never presented with the facts or the challenges in the community, they won’t know what to do.”