AMC Condemns Vandalism of Red Dresses in Campbell River
November 28, 2024
Treaty One Territory, Manitoba
AMC Communications
Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg – The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) Women’s Council strongly condemns the repeated acts of vandalism targeting the symbolic red wooden dresses in Campbell River, British Columbia. These dresses, erected by members of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation along Highway 19 North of Courtenay, are powerful symbols representing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+). This recent act of violence, which has seen many dresses stolen or destroyed, is deeply troubling and underscores the ongoing marginalization faced by First Nations across the country.
“The desecration of these symbols of remembrance and resilience is a painful reminder of the work that still needs to be done to combat the racism and violence faced by First Nations,” says Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy, “These red dresses represent the lives lost and the ongoing struggle for justice and safety for our women, girls, and Two-Spirit relatives. Such hate-filled actions only serve to deepen our resolve to continue advocating for change.”
The AMC acknowledges the tireless efforts of community members like Leslie Hnatiw and Jamie Bryant, whose work brings much-needed awareness to the MMIWG2S+ crisis. Their dedication is vital to fostering understanding and empathy, and their courage in the face of this repeated vandalism is commendable.
Acts of vandalism such as this one are not isolated incidents; they are indicative of the deep-rooted colonial attitudes and prejudices that still exist within our society. The AMC calls upon local authorities, including the RCMP, to take these incidents seriously and ensure a thorough investigation. Further, the Assembly urges all Canadians to educate themselves on the significance of these symbols and the importance of supporting First Nations-led initiatives aimed at ending violence against First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
“The vandalism of these red dresses is not just an attack on our community’s symbols, but on our collective humanity,” added Chief Angela Levasseur of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and member of the AMC Women’s Council, “We call on everyone to stand in solidarity with the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and all those who continue to bring visibility to MMIWG2S+. Together, we must build a society that honours the lives lost and works tirelessly to ensure such violence is a thing of the past.”
The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs stands in solidarity with Wei Wai Kum First Nation, and remains committed to working with First Nations, governments, and allies to advocate for the safety and well-being of First Nations women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals.
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For more information, please contact:
Communications Team
Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
Email: media@manitobachiefs.com
About the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs
The AMC was formed in 1988 by the Chiefs in Manitoba to advocate on issues that commonly affect First Nations in Manitoba. AMC is an authorized representative of all 63 First Nations in Manitoba with a total of more than 172,000 First Nations citizens in the province, accounting for approximately 12 percent of the provincial population. AMC represents a diversity of Anishinaabe, Nehetho / Ininew, Anisininew, Denesuline, and Dakota Oyate peoples.