May 5 – Akwesasne Community Honor MMIP

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne's Family Wellness Program held an unveiling at the A'nowara'ko:wa Arena in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) – May 5, 2023. The event was well attended by Akwesasne and Cornwall community members and partners including the MCA, the Akwesasne Mohawk Police, the Canada Border Services Agency, and the Cornwall Police Service representatives, in recognizing Missing & Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Day – May 5, 2023. 

The realities for Indigenous women, girls and men are stark – Indigenous people are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing, they are 3 times more likely to experience intimate partner violence, 5 times more likely to experience violence than any other population and 50% of trafficking victims in Canada are Indigenous.

Events honoring missing and murdered community members and raising awareness of the national crisis is an integral part of ending this cycle of violence and oppression.

MCA District Chief April Adams-Phillips said, "We experience a community-wide sadness when we lose someone, especially to violence. Today, we honor all those in Akwesasne who have been the victims of violence and murder, and those who are still missing today.  We will continue to seek justice and protection for all Akwesasronon."

Red dresses were displayed throughout the A'nowara'ko:wa pavilion. The REDress Project began as an art installation in 2014 by Metis artis Jamie Black to draw attention and awareness of the disproportionate number of Indigenous women, girls, and young men who are missing or who have been murdered. Black explained by using the color red, we are 'calling back the spirits of those stolen from us and allowing them a chance to be among us and have their voice heard through family members and community.' Black said she chose the color red, as it symbolizes lifeblood.

Along with red dresses being displayed, a painting called "The Scream" by Dave Fadden was on display. Fadden was unable to attend due to prior commitments. The meaning of the painting was shared by Angie King.

Fadden said in a written statement, "As I stared at a blank canvas, the thought of those women crept into my thoughts. I imagined one woman gone. Her fear, her anger and her horror became clear, and I wanted to create a painting where the viewer could hear her voice. Then I thought about her parents, her children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and friends. The frustration they must be experiencing with their loss and not having the ability to say goodbye must be profound and debilitating. I wanted their pain to be heard and felt as well. Then I multiplied that one woman by over a thousand. It really spurred me to paint something that would bring awareness and a sense of urgency to those who have the power to close the lid on the pain those people must be experiencing. The public should be aware of this issue and with a collective voice, bring it to the attention of the world."

Original artwork by Dave Fadden was on display and along with the painting, the same image was also on t-shirts that were given to attendees.  The late Brad Bonaparte's image of two red moccasins entitled "An Unfinished Life" was also on t-shirts. Two large cakes were served to all in attendance.

Also on display was a solid red kastowa and several pieces of beadwork. An unmistakably bright red bench was unveiled outside the pavilion that will serve as a permanent fixture to honor all missing and murdered people.

AMPS Officer Norman King shared valuable information with the attendees on how and when to report someone missing. AMPS recommend reporting as soon as possible, he also provided insight as to how police investigate missing persons cases.  

The CBSA provided red dress pins to all attendees and sponsored the luncheon meals.  

Traditional singers closed the event with Mohawk songs honoring the missing and murdered community members. 

MCA expressed thanks to the Family Wellness Program for coordinating event.