Empty red dresses hung across Brock University\u2019s campuses this week will act as a stark visual reminder of the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+) and the enduring impact still felt in their communities.<\/p>\n
The dresses are on display until Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Brock\u2019s St. Catharines and Burlington campuses and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts downtown as well as at Niagara College\u2019s campuses.<\/p>\n
The display is part of a week of community events planned in observance of REDress Day, also known as the REDress Project<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n Started by M\u00e9tis artist Jaime Black at the University of Winnipeg, the initiative honours the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGTBQQIA+) people lost to colonial violence.<\/p>\n It’s frequently observed around Feb. 14 to align with the annual Women\u2019s Memorial March<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis day is significant as it provides a safe and supportive space for participants to learn, reflect and connect,\u201d says Evelyn Dilworth (BA \u201924, BEd \u201924), Event Co-ordinator at Hadiya\u2019dag\u00e9nhahs First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit Student Centre<\/a><\/u>, which is organizing this year\u2019s events. \u201cMMIWG2S+ is an ongoing tragedy affecting our communities and it is up to everyone, not just Indigenous women, to help change these devastating statistics for future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone in the Brock and broader communities is invited to come together for a day of remembrance and unity<\/a><\/u>\u00a0on Friday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Brock\u2019s Pond Inlet. Hosted by Hadiya\u2019dag\u00e9nhahs in partnership with Niagara College, the event will include a Jingle Dress demonstration and song, group discussions, hands-on workshops and a complimentary lunch.<\/p>\n In the morning, attendees will engage in small group discussions led by community members to learn more about the significance of the day, the impact that still reverberates through Indigenous communities and ways to meaningfully engage in allyship. Workshops will take place in the afternoon and include crocheting, bracelet making and beading activities.<\/p>\n A live community art project taking place that day will also provide an opportunity to participate in a collaborative, visual call for justice and solidarity.<\/p>\n Brock\u2019s Spirit Bear Entiohahath\u00e9’te<\/a><\/u>\u00a0will join the day in observance of the upcoming Have a Heart Day<\/a><\/u>\u00a0on Saturday, Feb. 14. Organized by the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, it advocates for First Nations children\u2019s rights, safety and access to equitable, culturally based services.<\/p>\n Advanced registration for the REDress Day event and the individual workshops is required through University Tickets<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n Hadiya\u2019dag\u00e9nhahs is also hosting a Beaded REDress Pin Workshop<\/a><\/u>\u00a0on Thursday, Feb. 12 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Brock\u2019s Burlington Campus in BBC 284. The free workshop will teach basic beading techniques, with participants creating a pin to wear on REDress Day as a visible sign of support. No prior beading experience is required, and all materials will be provided.<\/p>\n