There is some new art being erected on the grounds of Seven Generations Education Institute Fort Frances campus.
It’s a large silhouetted dancer adorned with red jingles.
It’s a project of the Binesiwag Center for Wellness.
Support Person Erika Jourdain says it aims to spark a dialogue about the National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2 Spirited Folx crisis in Canada.
“You know, every single day, there are new faces on our social media that put these people on display. Rather than having just their faces there, (we’re) hoping that they’ll be able to see part of that dancer there as well,” says Jourdain.
Staff and the people supported by the center were involved in the project.
The jingles were strung by members of BCW’s Queers and Allies program and represent the voices of those taken from us.
“The red jingles represent all of those impacted. When they dance, and you hear those jingles hitting each other, that’s healing to us as Indigenous people, what we call heart medicine,” notes Jourdain.
“Just think of it as not only is this happening nationally but in our communities in our families in the history of who we are.”
Today’s unveiling coincides with the national day of awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Canada’s Department of Justice says Indigenous women are three times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of sexual assault and spousal violence, and more likely to fear for their lives compared to non-Indigenous victims.
You can watch the unveiling live on Binesiwag’s Facebook page beginning at 9 a.m.
The public is also encouraged to visit the installation anytime this month to offer tobacco and reflect on who “She” is to you.
