A new art exhibit is opening at the Legislature to commemorate Red Dress Day. The Heart Spirits Project, by artist Cheryl Ring has 200 handmade clay hearts; each honouring an Indigenous person who has been murdered or gone missing.
“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,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Laura Ross said. “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.”
Officially known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People, Red Dress Day is held each year to raise awareness of the disproportionate number of Indigenous people who are impacted by gender-based violence.
The art exhibit will be open to the public at the Legislative Building Cumberland gallery throughout the month of May.
(Photo of Red Dresses at SaskPoly Tech)