Based on the 13 Grandmother Moons and the cycle of the women, The Red Dress Exhibit will feature stories of 13 Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) from 13 Indigenous Peoples in WNY and Niagara whose loved ones fell victim to these crimes. This immersive and poignant exhibit of 13 empty Red dresses hanging from trees tells their untold story. The exhibit is intended to increase awareness for the epidemic of the ongoing horrific systemic racial crimes targeting Indigenous women and girls; to remember the lost lives of the victims; to teach; to give Indigenous women a voice; to inspire a new cross-cultural generation based on inclusivity, compassion, love and; to collectively offer the MMIWG our love, gratitude create a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment for Indigenous Peoples. With Native women being victims of murder more than 10 times the national average, this exhibit is about empathic LOVE
Each Red dress will be as unique and beautiful as the MMIWG it represents and the ribbons sewn on the dresses will be the keepers of their story. This three-day exhibit will include a downloadable audio produced documentary tour, narrative signage, public participation in a large loom textile blanket creation, and a special opening night intimate acoustic concert by The Circle - featuring Indigenous and allied musicians, Kenny Lee Lewis, Linda McKenzie, Tonemah and others in an intimate setting sharing the story behind their MMIWG songs.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
September 2nd 1-8 PM | OPENING DAY
Dresses will be on display during the day,
Starting at 1pm people can join Perry Ground Onondaga Turtle Clan educator and renown traditional haudenosaunee storyteller to participate in creating a unique MMIWG2S wampum belt which will be gifted to the exhibit at the the opening Ceremony
Opening ceremonies will commence at 6 PM followed by an intimate, unplugged concert at 7pm called The Circle with Kenny Lee Lewis, Linda Mackenzie, Tonemah and special guests
September 3rd 1-6 PM
The dresses will be on display 1-6 PM
Starting at 1 PM of the MMIWG2S Wampum belt by Dr Richard Hamill, Historian, treaty and wampum educator who holds the largest Wampum Belt Display in North America. He will also have MMIWG2S artifacts on display and will share his teachings during his workshop
Heart Berry Bead workshop and teachings of living from the heart with Mary Clause and storytelling with Edwin Printup
September 4th 1-4 PM | CLOSING DAY
The dresses will be on display 1-4 PM
Closing of the exhibit at 4 PM with a closing ceremony and preparing the dresses to travel to Canada for Celebration of Nations Gathering September 9th-11th. www.celebrationofnations.caPainting by Jill Lunn.