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 6PM

1PM-5PM: Open drop-in: A workshop with Dr Richard Hamill, historian, treaty and wampum educator, with MMIWG2S artifacts on display. He will share his unique teachings during the workshop and visitors will be able to create their own black and turquoise with red wampum strands to honor the MMIWG2S and in remembrance of this exhibit.
2PM-4PM: Mary Printup Clause of Tuscarora Nations will lead visitors in a Heart Berry Bead workshop and teachings of living from the heart. (2 hour workshop w/storytelling)
4PM-5PM: Storytelling with Edwin Printup

Each day has different hours and activities. Check out the hours and schedule for the September 2 and September 4