More than 1,700 pairs of moccasin tops or “vamps” line the floor of the Urban Shaman Gallery in the Exchange District in Winnipeg.
"Walking With Our Sisters" seeks to honour to the lives of missing or murdered indigenous women and girls.
Each pair of unfinished moccasins represents an unfinished life.
Imagining a woman or girl standing in each pair helps realize the importance of this art project and the ceremony involved.
A call to the public in 2012 invited anyone to submit a pair of vamps. Most came from Canada, including many from Manitoba. Some came from the United States and Europe.
A total of 1,372 artists submitted 1,725 pairs and the number continues to grow. This week in Winnipeg, they’ve added 12 more pairs from Manitobans.
The number of murdered and missing women and girls grows as well. According to the most recent data, 824 indigenous women and girls in Canada have gone missing or been murdered since 1961.
This project includes ceremonial feasts and other activities around the city to raise awareness of the ongoing issue.
"Walking With Our Sisters" will remain in Winnipeg from March 21 until April 12 and travel to Flin Flon and The Pas this summer.
