In a poignant tribute to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children of Turtle Island (MMIW), The Journey Museum and Learning Center, in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Skirt Society of the Black Hills, is proud to announce the unveiling of the "When Leaves Fall: Red Dress Exhibit" on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m.
This significant exhibit, which will remain open and free to the public until Oct. 21, serves as a solemn memorial to the more than 70 MMIW and Two-Spirited individuals in South Dakota and across the Northern Plains. As a powerful visual representation of remembrance and solidarity, 70 red dresses will gracefully adorn the trees across the museum grounds.
Each red dress hanging from the branches tells a story of loss, resilience, and the ongoing struggle for justice. They are not merely garments but poignant symbols of the lives that have been tragically taken and the families left behind to mourn their absence.
Moreover, the exhibit will feature poignant items strewn across the ground, representing the places where MMIW have been found. These artifacts serve as a solemn reminder of the pain and suffering endured by MMIW and their loved ones, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and action.
Friends and family members of MMIW are encouraged to participate in this commemoration by placing flowers beneath the trees throughout the duration of the exhibit. It is a gesture of remembrance, honoring the lives lost and advocating for justice for those who continue to be marginalized and forgotten.
"When Leaves Fall: Red Dress Exhibit" is not only a display of artistry but a call to action. It urges us to confront the harsh realities faced by Indigenous women and children, to stand in solidarity with their families, and to demand accountability from our communities and institutions.
As we gather to bear witness to this poignant display, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice, equality, and dignity for all. Let us ensure that the voices of the missing and murdered are heard, their memories honored, and their legacies cherished.
Join us as we come together to honor the missing and murdered, to remember their stories, and to demand a future where every Indigenous woman and child can live free from fear and violence.
