We are very pleased to share the work and passion of a local creative photographer, Kara Puetz as she profiles Indigenous women and girls using images incorporating the RED DRESS symbol. The Red Dress is a symbol used to draw attention to the more than 1000 missing and murdered indigenous women in Canada.
MMIWG2S + / NO MORE STOLEN SISTERS
"Today this red dress was displayed in the Legislature in solidarity with the family, friends and loved ones of the thousands of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada. We remember you, and we honour your memory." - John Horgan, October 04 2018
"We accept their findings, including that what happened amounts to genocide. There are many debates ongoing around words and use of words. Our focus as a country, as leaders, as citizens must be on the steps we take to put an end to this situation." - Justin Trudeau, June 04 2019
September 23, 2020 The Liberals promise to accelerate work on a national action plan to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.
The colonial government has made this promise, time and time again. Your promises mean nothing. We continue to wait for action, while your systems murder our most sacred. Joyce Echaquan was not safe. Chantel Moore was not safe. Until you set the pretty words aside and do the work required, none of us are safe.
While we wait, you continue to commit acts of genocide against indigenous women, children, and families. You continue to steal indigenous land that does not belong to you. You continue to steal indigenous children from their families. You are still trying to strip indigenous people of their inherent rights in this so called country. Instead of following through on your commitments, you spend millions of dollars in legal fees defending your actions.
Indigenous women and girls, two-spirit, LGBTQQIA deserve better.
Indigenous people across Turtle Island deserve better.
I started taking these images as a way to bring awareness to our stolen sisters. Everyone involved has been affected by this tragedy. Grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters, aunts, cousins, friends - our losses have been insurmountable. Enough is enough. This is for you sisters, we will rise and we will honor and remember you. Always.
Kara Puetz, 2020