“Red Dresses on the Runway: A Powerful Statement for Missing Indigenous Women”
In British Columbia this weekend, models are strutting down the runway in uniquely designed red dresses, not just to showcase fashion, but to make a powerful statement about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. The Revolutions Red Dress Fashion Festival in Kamloops is not just about showcasing beautiful garments, but about honoring those who have been lost and bringing awareness to a deeply important issue.
Personal Stories Through Fashion
Kim Coltman, the organizer of the festival, has a personal connection to the cause. Her mother was a residential school survivor, and Coltman herself has survived abduction and assault. For Coltman and the eight designers participating in the festival, creating pieces to honor Red Dress Day is more than just a fashion statement – it’s a way to bring attention to the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada.
The Red Dress Movement
Red Dress Day was inspired by Métis artist Jamie Black’s installation project, which aimed to visually represent the number of Indigenous women who have gone missing or have been killed. The movement has since grown, with communities across Canada hosting walks and events to raise awareness. Coltman was inspired by this movement and founded Fashion Speaks International in 2015 to use fashion as a platform to highlight the stories and experiences of Indigenous women and girls.
Empowerment Through Fashion
For Coltman, fashion has always been a source of empowerment. Seeing Indigenous models proudly walking the runway in their red dresses is a powerful statement against the historical trauma inflicted on Indigenous communities. Coltman believes that by showcasing these women and their stories, we can begin to make Indigenous people less invisible in our society.
A Call to Action
Despite efforts to raise awareness and create initiatives like the Red Dress Alert system, Indigenous women and girls in Canada continue to be disproportionately affected by violence. It is crucial that we not only remember those who have been lost but also take concrete actions to address and prevent further tragedies. Darlene Okemaysim-Sicotte, a long-time advocate for Indigenous women in Saskatchewan, emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the dresses to the women they represent. These garments are more than just symbols – they are reminders of the lives that have been taken and the urgent need for justice and change.
As we watch these models walk the runway in their red dresses, let us not forget the purpose behind the fashion. It is a call to action, a plea for justice, and a reminder that Indigenous women and girls should never be forgotten. We must continue to amplify their voices, honor their memories, and work towards a future where every Indigenous person can walk without fear.
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