The REDress Project was started by Metis artist Jamie Black and serves as a reminder of the missing and murdered Indigenous Women (#MMIW) and has since then become a community driven movement where people are encouraged to interpret and hang Red Dresses in public Spaces.
In conjunction with the upcoming Super Bowl and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women's March happening on February 14, we are asking for a CALL TO ACTION from community members.
The Red Dresses from these events along with the Monumental Quilt Project will also go on exhibit at Two Rivers Gallery from February 14th through April 18th.
Here is what's happening and when:
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1st: SEWING NIGHT: 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Join us in community to sew a red dress in honor of MMIW to hang in a public space and/or to be included in the upcoming demonstration and February 14th MMMIW March and Two Rivers RedDress and Monumental Quilt exhibit.
We have a number of sewing machines and will have materials but ALWAYS feel free to bring your own supplies.
Snacks and beverages will be provided. Please feel free to bring along a dish to share.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd: CALL TO ACTION: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
DAYTIME ACTIONS
If you have a Red Dress we are asking people to go hang them in a public space throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. You are responsible for hanging and collecting dresses.
We will have a limited number of dresses that people can pick up from the gallery on Friday from 10am-2pm to hang around the city.
But please feel free to hang your own dresses throughout the week.
We encourage you to post pictures on social media using the following hashtags:
#MMIW #MMIWC #Missingandmurderedindigenouswomen #REDressproject #REDressprojectminneapolis2018 #notalone #nomorestolensisters #bringherhome #jaimeblack #tworiversarts #humantrafficking #trafficking #awareness #superbowl2018
EVENING ACTIONS
We are looking for at least 30 - 60 participants to join us in holding signage spelling out "MISSING MURDERED INDIGENOUS WOMEN" over the Chicago St Bridge going over 94/35W during rush hours traffic to bring awareness to the broader Minneapolis communities and incoming football fans.
GUIDELINES
This will be a peaceful demonstration as we are asking people to hold their signs in silence. Anyone is also welcome to carry along or wear a Red Dress of their own.
You must carry your own sign and will not be allowed to hang it over or attach it to the railing. If there are more people then signs please feel free to TAG in and TAG out, allowing everyone to rest their arms.
WHAT YOU CAN DO + VOLUNTEER
Meet at Two Rivers Gallery to help with prep and set up. Plan to be there at 2:15 - 2:30pm. We will be on the south side of the bridge at 3:00pm and ready to start placing people and handing out signs.
CONTINUE THE MOVEMENT!!!!
If you would like to continue demonstrating after 6pm you will need to sign up and take responsibility for the Red Dresses and signage.
If you are also interested in using the Red Dresses and signage to organize your own demonstration/event throughout the weekend.
Please contact either Maggie Thompson at: cthompson@maicnet.org or Lonna Hunter at: Lonna.hunter@gmail.com
OTHER CORRESPONDING EVENTS
February 2nd, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Bring Her Home Opening Reception
All My Relations Gallery
1414 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55404
February 14th, 10:00 - 2:00pm
MMIW March
Minneapolis American Indian Center
1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis MN 55102