Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie, ON / The variations of each installation are based on each unique space and the creativity of each installation design team. The installation designs are also reflective of the traditional protocols in each area / Credit: Melody McKiver

« Walking With Our Sisters is a commemorative art installation to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous Women of Canada and the United States; to acknowledge the grief and torment families of these women continue to suffer; and, to raise awareness of this issue and create opportunity for broad community-based dialogue on the issue.

Walking With Our Sisters is an entirely crowd-sourced project. From the artwork, to the fundraising, even to the way the exhibit tour is being booked, it is all being fueled by hundreds and thousands of people who have chosen to become involved. Collectively we are creating one unified voice to honour these women, their families and call for attention to be paid to this issue. There is power in numbers, and there is power in art.

In June of 2012, a general call was issued on issued on Facebook for people to create moccasin tops. The call was answered by women, men and children of all ages and races. By July 25, 2013, over 1,600 vamps had been received, almost tripling the initial initial goal of 600. Offering proof that the world is indeed filled with caring souls.

Each pair of moccasin tops are intentionally not sewn into moccasins to represent the unfinished lives of the women and girls.

This project is about these women, paying respect to their lives and existence on this earth. They are not forgotten. They are sisters, mothers, daughters, cousins, aunties, grandmothers, friends and wives. They have been cared for, they have been loved, and they are missing.

Please watch this film by Rebeka Tabobondung posted on Muskrat Magazine’s Zine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=UUBZdMi16nuagU3OqbHVgbpg&v=ehyOa05ecNA

The art installation will exhibit to over 25 locations throughout North America and is now booked until 2019. Please see the Exhibit Tour section for the full listing locations. »

Visit walkingwithoursisters.ca or the Facebook page for more information.

Posted with permission from Christi Belcourtt

Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie, ON / Credit: Walking With Our Sisters

Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie, ON / Credit: Walking With Our Sisters

Vamps by Kathryn Hefley

Vamps by Mary Jacobs

Vamps made by Cheryl Sylvestre Eckert

University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB / The variations of each installation are based on each unique space and the creativity of each installation design team. The installation designs are also reflective of the traditional protocols in each area / Credit: Walking With Our Sisters