Community groups are turning collaborative art into collective healing. A sacred quilt was unveiled Thursday honouring the lives of missing and murdered indigenous women.

An elder blessed the quilt yesterday before it was shown off at Neechi Commons.

The patches were sown together by dozens of people who took part in a full day bead-in this past March.

Woven inside are at least a dozen letter Vs symbolizing either victims or victory.

“It’s just a powerful symbol of strength and I believe it truly honours many women and girls who have lost their lives to violence," said Deborah Young, University of Manitoba indigenous achievement lead.

The quilt was inspired by the travelling exhibit Walking With Our Sisters, which was made of 1700 moccasin tops.

The finished quilt will reside at Neechi Commons for anyone who wants to see it.