08/10/2026
Prisoners’ Justice Day was born from resistance inside prison walls.
On August 10, 1974, Edward Nalon took his own life in the segregation cunit of Millhaven Maximum Security Prison after enduring horrific conditions and neglect at the hands of the incarceration system. One year later, prisoners at Millhaven marked his death by refusing to work, participating in a one-day hunger strike, and holding a memorial service in his honour.
In 1976, Robert Landers died in the same segregation unit. Once again, prisoners organized a hunger strike, this time in remembrance of Edward, Robert, and all those who had died unnecessarily in custody. Thousands of incarcerated people across so-called Canada joined them.
Today, we encourage you to reflect on the prison system as part of broader systems of colonialism, racism, poverty, gendered violence, and state control. Black and Indigenous people are disproportionately incarcerated, while poverty, disability, and marginalization continue to be criminalized. An abolitionist future asks us to imagine safety beyond prisons and punishment, and to build systems rooted instead in care, accountability, dignity, and collective liberation.
We remember those who have died behind prison walls and stand with those currently incarcerated, those resisting and organizing inside, and the families and communities demanding justice and accountability.
For those looking to participate in an act of solidarity this Prisoners’ Justice Day, a Community Vigil will be held at 3:00 PM at The 519 in Toronto. The vigil will honour those who have lost their lives in custody and the families and communities who continue to grieve them. Those inside are not forgotten. Those we have lost are not forgotten.
August 10th is a day to remember, resist, and imagine a world beyond prisons.
Photo Credit: Women & HIV/AIDS Initiative
