The Okanagan Indian Band is hosting a Red Dress Campaign today in Vernon to shed light on the number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls across Canada.
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. in Justice Park.
The tentative schedule is as follows;
-An opening prayer by an elder
-Opening song: The Okanagan Song
-Opening remarks
– A tentative speech from Bernie Williams of the MMIWG Downtown Eastside Movement
-Women’s Warrior song to commence the hanging of the dresses
– A moment of silence
– An open mic for a sharing of thoughts
– Closing remarks
– Retire the dresses at noon
-Closing with the Okanagan song.
The ceremony continues at Komasket Park at 1 p.m. and will include several workshops such as self defense, and healthy relationships.
– 1 p.m. – Opening Song , the Okanagan Song
– Summary of the Red dress campaign
– Women warriors song to begin the hanging of the dresses
– A moment of Silence
– Workshops
– Banner of commitment to end violence
– Community Meal
– Screening of the River of Silence
The Okanagan Indian Band welcomes all hand drummers to the event.
The Red Dress Campaign started in 2010 by Winnipeg artist Jaime Black.
The hanging of the dresses symbolizes Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls across Canada.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released in June and amounted the tragedy to a Canadian genocide.
The full report can be read here.
