The NWT’s legislature has released a video documenting the unveiling of its monument to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
The video was published on May 5, Red Dress Day, a national day of awareness dedicated to the survivors and families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
The footage shows last October’s unveiling of the monument, which features a red parka with a sunburst hood. The monument is decorated with hearts, a Delta braid, two feathers forming an infinity symbol, a Dene drum and a Qulliq, elements representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis groups in the NWT.
The monument was designed by Inuvialuk artist Myrna Pokiak, with input from the Native Women’s Association of the NWT and Indigenous governments across the territory.
The Legislative Assembly said its video captured “the emotion and significance” of the monument and the remarks of the artist, Elders and others who spoke on the day.
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“This video aims to highlight the importance of honouring and remembering the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls,” the legislature stated.
A fire will burn at the monument each morning from Sunday until May 10 “for those wishing to honour their loved ones and pay their respects.”
In a statement on Sunday, Lucy Kuptana – the NWT’s minister responsible for the status of women, said her “heart and thoughts are with the survivors and families.”
“Red Dress Day is not just a day of remembrance. It is a day of action and reflection on the ongoing impact of systemic injustices,” she wrote.
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“The haunting visual of empty red dresses serves as a powerful reminder of the thousands who should be standing with us today.”
Kuptana said her government is “making strides” to dismantle legacies of colonialism and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation
“This plan lays a foundation for dismantling the legacies of colonialism and discrimination to respond to the calls for justice laid out in the final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The minister said those efforts include establishing an MMIWG advisory committee, developing a “strategic framework to combat family violence in the NWT,” and collaborating with the Native Women’s Association of the NWT to “provide support in communities and facilitate discussions on gender-based violence among men.”
