Based on the 13 Grandmother Moons and the cycle of the women, is an immersive experience featuring 13 empty Red dresses hanging from trees, telling the untold stories of 13 Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls and 2 Spirit (MMIWG2S) from 13 Indigenous Peoples here in the Western New York and Niagara regions..  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. 

This free-to-attend three-day exhibit features unique daily activities and includes a downloadable audio documentary tour, narrative signage, Elder’s healing Circle, MMIWG2S workshops, storytelling, and teachings.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE RED DRESS EXHIBIT CONTAINS SENSITIVE CONTENT THAT COULD EVOKE A STRONG EMOTIONAL REACTION, AND IT ALSO MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN. PERSONAL AND PARENTAL DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

For more information on the artists, their dresses and the people this exhibit honors click HERE

The dresses will be on display from 1PM to 8PM
1PM: Perry Ground, Onondaga Turtle Clan educator and renowned traditional Haudenosaunee storyteller,  invites visitors to participate in creating a unique MMIWG2S wampum belt which will be gifted to the exhibit during the opening Ceremony.

6PM: Opening ceremony and presentation of MMIWG2S wampum belt.

7PM: Intimate acoustic concert The Circle - featuring Indigenous and allied musicians Kenny Lee Lewis (of the Steve Miller Band), Linda McKenzie (award-winning Native American artist), Tonemah (local award-winning artist) and other guests.  

“Missing”, a song created by Linda McKenzie, The Steve Miller Band guitarist/producer, Kenny Lee Lewis, and Gen Huitt, a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Elder, will be performed on opening night to honor and brings attention to Indigenous Peoples who have been affected by a horrific atrocity MMIWG2S. Linda McKenzie said, “Many people still don't know that Indigenous women are targets for senseless, random violence and killing, so the song ‘Missing’ was written to not only bring awareness to these hideous crimes but to also become the voice of the voiceless...a cry from the grave of the missing and a cry from the loved ones left behind.” “Missing” has been nominated for a 2022 Native American Music Award.

Each day has different hours and activities. Check out the hours and schedule for September 3 and September 4