Last October, hundreds of people gathered at U of G’s Alumni Stadium to show their support for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) in Canada in an event organized by the I STAND #InUnity Executive Committee and third-year history students.
Using yellow, red, black and white umbrellas, participants created a human medicine wheel representing the four directions: east, south, west and north. The wheel emphasizes the role of individuals worldwide in advocating against violence.
An aerial photograph of this educational art initiative will be on display at the Guelph Civic Museum from March 10 to April 22. A free public reception to launch the project will take place at the museum March 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Olivia Flegg, one of the project’s student organizers, says the exhibit is an important starting point for learning about MMIW.
“I hope viewers walk away with questions like ‘how can I incorporate this experience into my life to help end discrimination against Indigenous women’ and ‘where can I go if I want to continue this journey as an ally to Indigenous communities?’” says Flegg.
Visitors can explore the Guelph Civic Museum to learn more about missing and murdered Indigenous women. Through words and pictures, the I STAND #InUnity exhibit encourages patrons to recognize and respond to contemporary colonialism, say organizers.