Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & Two-Spirits National Week of Action
April 29th – May 6th 2022
Each year, thousands of women, children, and 2 Spirit Native Americans go missing or are found murdered in the United States and Canada. Gaps in data make the true scope difficult to estimate, but some sources suggest that the total number of cases may approach 10,000. Since 2017, local, regional, national, and tribal organizations have participated in a National Week of Action during the week of May 5th, in order to raise awareness and call for justice in response to this ongoing crisis. In support of these efforts, the Institute for American Indian studies invites you to participate in the following events associated with our museum. We also encourage you to visit the linked websites throughout this page to find resources, get further involved, and support organizations on the frontlines of these efforts.
Blocks of Hope and Healing: Community Quilting Project for MMIWG2S
Ongoing Initiative Throughout May. Quilt Workshops to be held on Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 22 at 11:00 am. Finished quilt blocks due by June 1st.
This month, in order to help raise awareness and support for this cause, the Institute for American Indian Studies is inviting members of our community to contribute to a quilting project. Quilts have long been a symbol of comfort and resilience in Indigenous communities. This community-created quilt will be used to honor and remember all those who have been touched by this epidemic.
How to participate: For a $25 donation to the National Indigenous Women’s Rights Council (NIWRC), our museum will give you a quilt block packet, complete with all necessary materials and instructions for creating your section of the community quilt.
Don’t have much experience with sewing? No worries! Join Education Director Darlene Kascak (Schaghticoke Tribal Nation) for one of two quilting workshops on Saturday, May 14 or Sunday, May 22. You can also complete your quilt packet in the comfort of your own home and return it to the museum by June 1st.
Please call (860) 868-0518 or email [email protected] to reserve your section on this community quilt, sign up for one of the quilting workshops, or if you have any questions about this initiative.
Donations to NIWRC can be made at the following link: https://www.niwrc.org/donate.
Red Dress Installation
Saturday, April 30; Sunday, May 1 and Wednesday, May 4 – Sunday, May 8
11:00am – 4:00pm each day
In-Person, Outdoor Installation; Installation is Weather Dependent
We are once again partnering with the town of Washington in an initiative known as The REDress Project, based on an installation in 2010 by Métis artist Jaime Black. This initiative is intended to raise awareness about the epidemic known as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Girls and 2 Spirit (MMIWG2s). Over the past year, staff, volunteers, members, and anonymous supporters have donated over 100 red dresses of various shapes and sizes. These dresses will be displayed along our museum trails and in Washington Depot to create a visual representation of the missing spirits of these individuals. At the museum, staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions, discuss this serious topic at various age levels, and provide resources for further action.
There is no admission fee to view this outdoor installation, but installation is weather dependent. Admission to the museum is $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors, $8 for Children, and Free for Members. Please call (860) 868-0518 or email [email protected] with any questions.
Virtual Film Screening and Discussion: Bring Her Home
Stream Documentary Online: Sunday, May 1st – Thursday, May 5th
Virtual Discussion: Thursday, May 5, 7:00pm
From Vision Maker Media and Twin Cities PBS, the 2022 documentary Bring Her Home follows three Indigenous women, an artist, an activist, and a politician – as they fight to vindicate and honor their missing and murdered relatives who have fallen victims to a growing pandemic across Indian country. Despite the lasting effects from historical trauma, each woman must search for healing while navigating racist systems that brought about this very crisis. On May 5th, join activist Mysti Babineau (Red Lake Nation), one of the powerful women featured in this documentary, along with IAIS staff, for a virtual discussion about her significant role in bringing awareness to this ongoing epidemic. Sign up for this discussion on May 5thand view the documentary at your convenience during the week.
In order to obtain ZOOM link, please visit our website to register via Eventbrite. Questions? Please call (860) 868-0518 or email [email protected]. This is a free event, but donations are appreciated.