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A new art exhibit opened Friday to mark Red Dress Day.
The Heart Spirits project by Saskatchewan artist Cheryl Ring features 200 handmade clay hearts, each in honour of an Indigenous person who is missing or was murdered.
The exhibit at the Cumberland Gallery in the Legislative Building is to be open to the public throughout the month of May.
Red Dress Day – or the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People – is held annually on May 5.
“May 5 is a day to remember Indigenous women who have been impacted by gender-based violence, to know their names, stories and honour their lives,” Laura Ross, the province’s minister responsible for the status of women, said in a media release.
“The Heart Spirits exhibit at the Legislature will create a space for education and help extend the discussion on ending gender-based violence beyond Red Dress Day, so that other families don’t have to endure such an unimaginable loss.”
According to the government, First Nation and Métis communities and organizations can apply for funding through the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund. It offers $400,000 to eligible projects to offer safety to Indigenous women, girls, Two Spirit+ people, their families and communities.
“As we observe Red Dress Day, we stand in solidarity with the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and their relatives,” said Don McMorris, the province’s minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs. “It is important that we acknowledge and honour the lives lost and those who continue to be impacted by the ongoing violence.
“The development of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund has been guided by the voices and experiences of Indigenous women. Through this fund, we aim to provide support to Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit+ people across the province. Last year, 12 community-led projects received support through this fund.”
More information about Ring and the Heart Spirits project can be found here.
