Walking With Our Sisters an art installation commemorating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people will be displayed in Toronto for two weeks this October. The installation has been travelling across Canada and the US since 2013. The display consists of 1763+ pairs of Moccasin vamps, beautifully designed by 1300+ artists specifically for this installation.
From their website: "Each pair of vamps (or “uppers” as they are also called) represents one missing or murdered Indigenous woman. The unfinished moccasins represent the unfinished lives of the women whose lives were cut short. The children’s vamps are dedicated to children who never returned home from residential schools."
More than a gallery viewing, the organizers welcome each visitor into ceremony upon their arrival, overseen by Grandmothers and other volunteers. Members of the public from all Nations and walks of life are welcome to come, reflect, grieve, and remember. Tobacco will be provided at the door to those who visit. No pictures will be allowed.
Teachers:
- Are you a teacher in the TDSB? You can contact the Aboriginal Education Centre for more information and resources about how you can teach about Walking With Our Sisters and related topics.
- Thinking of bringing your class? Groups of 10+ people can only be accommodated by advance bookings and the organizers currently do not have the capacity for more. As a result of this and being closed during the day, it may be best to encourage your students to come with family/friends outside of school hours.
Walking With Our Sisters is in Toronto from October 15 to 29 at the Aboriginal Education Centre at 16 Phin Avenue (Danforth & Donlands). Operating hours are Monday to Friday 4:30-8:30 pm and weekends noon-6 pm.
You can view the event's Facebook page Walking With Our Sisters – Toronto for more information or contact wwostoronto@gmail.com.
The final stop of the tour will be in Batoche, Saskatchewan in spring 2019.