As part of the 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence against Women, CFUW Welland and District plan to display red dresses as an art installation to acknowledge and bring tribute to the many Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The red dresses represent the hundreds-perhaps thousands of North American Indigenous Women and Girls who have been murdered or disappeared during the last 4 decades. Based on the original REDdress movement by founder/creator Jamie Black, a Metis woman from Winnipeg, who wanted the empty dresses floating from hangers in tree branches, to remind us all of the women who should have been wearing them. We want to draw attention to this devastating loss, as another tragic example of Violence against Women that must end.

The displays will begin ​Friday, Dec. 4 in Chippawa Park, near the pond off First Ave. in​ ​Welland​ and on W​est St near the Clarence St Bridge​, as well as at the ​Gathering Place on King St and St​ ​Brendan/St James Ang.Church on Charlotte St.in Port Colborne

We wish to thank both the cities of Welland and Port Colborne for their support and permission to hold the displays. Appreciation is also extended to the Indigenous community and the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre for their encouragement and support.

We welcome anyone who wishes to add a red dress to the display to do so, and we encourage the public to view the displays and be reminded of the ongoing violence towards women that must stop.