A simple red dress can be far more meaningful than a wardrobe statement; when it’s part of the REDress Project, it’s a powerful representation of a life lost.
That’s why Indigenous Education is calling on the NC community to donate red dresses. The collected dresses will be part of an important initiative to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, trans, bisexual, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGTBQQIA) people.
As part of the REDress Project at NC, the red dresses will create an intriguing outdoor display at each campus to signify the thousands of lives lost over the past 40 years to colonial violence.
The REDress Project began as an art installation by Métis artist Jamie Black first displayed at the University of Winnipeg in 2011 and has since been replicated in communities across Canada.
Niagara College became involved with the REDress Project in 2021, in partnership with Brock University. Plans are underway to continue the initiative this year and dress donations are needed for NC’s outdoor displays.
Indigenous Student Success Leader Emily Schutt noted that the NC community’s response to the REDress display on campus last year was impactful, with many students and staff members wanting to learn more about the project and participate in the virtual events.
“This year, we’re hoping to continue that momentum of support and learning by asking our community to donate a red dress to our department so we will have our own collection to create an annual display every February for the REDress Project,” said Schutt. “Our hope in having our NC community participate and donate a red dress for this initiative is that it will create more of a connection to the project.”
Indigenous Education’s REDress Drive is now underway and is expected to continue until February 3.
Donations of red dresses may be dropped off at the library at the Welland or Daniel J. Patterson Campus (circulation desk). Those who are not on campus may make arrangements by contacting Indigenous Education at [email protected].
