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In honour and remembrance for the 1200+ missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two spirit individuals across the country.

Beginning over 12 years ago, the initiative was born out of Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress art installation wherein hundreds of red dresses were displayed in public spaces to raise awareness for the missing women. Here is an interview with Jaime Black about the REDress project:
https://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/about_the_redress_project/

The colour red was chosen based on the traditional knowledge that it is the only colour spirits can see and it is used as a means of calling the spirits of these lost loved ones home. In line with Black’s vision, every year red dresses and ribbons are hung nationwide in remembrance of these women and to symbolize what has been declared an ongoing genocide.

This as an important step in our relationships with Indigenous people in our community. It is a small gesture to show that we are interested in the truth telling stage that moves us closer to reconciliation.

Last year in Wilmot, 9 churches responded to a passionate invitation that came from Elder Nina De Shane at Wilmot Family Resource Centre.  She had said, "It would mean so much to Indigenous people if the churches would acknowledge Red Dress Day by hanging dresses at their places of worship."
Locally, red dresses are provided by the Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/Settler Relationships (WEWG).   The dresses have been smudged by a member of the local Indigenous community, respecting Indigenous culture.  Dresses can be hung either inside or outside on and around May 5th as determined by those supporting this movement. Congregations participating are encouraged to include information and discussion about MMIWG2S+ during services.

 

Additional Resources
Recent Report of human remains found at landfill site in Manitoba https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/marcedes-myran-
remains-found-1.7485825

Regarding the following videos, please note that the term "Indigenous" is broadly used in Canada and preferred when referring to First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. In the U.S. the term "American Indian" is still commonplace.


A short video with Jaime Black made 6 years ago from the first installation of REDress in the US, at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. https://youtu.be/lH7FuxzrFvs?si=I5dj3su3bM88MYkA


A video featuring the West Shore Canoe Family from what is now known as Washington State in the U.S. Song composed by Antone George. Video produced by Children of the Setting Sun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KMYi-2BMsI

Information, links and additional resources above provided by the Wilmot Ecumentical Working Group and First United Church, Waterloo