Remembering and Giving Voice to Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls on the Highway of Tears

— Peter Ewart —

Dozens of empty red dresses were held high on September 8, at the corner of Highway 16 and 97 in Prince George, BC. The red dresses represent all the murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls along the Highway of Tears. Marking the 4th Annual Red Dress event, family members, friends, and Prince George residents from all walks of life came together to remember and give voice to loved ones lost.

Following the powerful “stand in” action, which was met with many passersby honking their support, participants moved to Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park where the event continued. Red dresses hanging from the trees and decorating the park pavilion were an inspiring backdrop for a program of speakers, music and dance that highlighted the heartbreak of losing loved ones, but also a determination to work together to change the situation.

After a prayer and welcoming from a Lheidli T’enneh Elder, the president of the Prince George Red Dress Society, Tammy Meise, introduced speakers including Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall, Brenda Wilson, Dawn Hemingway and Victor Elkins. Moving and spirited music and dance performances by Mackenzie Mathews, Kelsey Abraham, Bella Rain, Kym Gouchie, Susan Philip and the Khast’an Drummers concluded the program leaving everyone energized and determined to continue their work together.

This article was published in:

Renewal Update No. 13, September 17, 2019

Article Link:
Remembering and Giving Voice to Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls on the Highway of Tears