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Who is invited? A: Students, faculty, staff and community membersJoin the Healing Through Crafting session to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, men and two-spirit people (MMIWGM2S). Create awareness-raising materials while fostering connection with other community members.
The rate of violence against Indigenous Peoples is a national tragedy requiring urgent action. All people deserve to live in safety, free from violence and abuse.
Participants will have the opportunity to create banners and signs to decorate POD-250 for the evening feast, display in their own spaces and/or bring to the 20th Annual Strawberry Ceremony for MMIWG2S on February 14.
This event is organized by Indigenous Initiatives in the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI) and the Indigenous Education Council in the Office of the Provost and Vice-President, Academic.
What to expect
Facilitator Cher Trudeau will share a brief opening about crafting as a practice for grief and healing. Engaging in creative activities can promote health and well-being by relieving stress, creating purpose and occupying the hands while calming the mind.
Participants can create banners, signs and red dress cutouts, which symbolize the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island.
Registration is required.
About Cher Trudeau
Cher K. Trudeau is an Anishinabe cis-woman and registered member of the Sagamok Anishinawbek First Nation with ancestral roots from Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation. Born and raised in Toronto, Cher is both an artist and staff member at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
From a young age, Cher demonstrated a passion for art and was constantly drawing. In her adolescent years, she discovered her talent for fabric arts, and has been honing her sewing skills since high school. She went on to pursue formal education in the field, attending George Brown College for Fashion Arts in Toronto.
As a young adult, Cher embarked on a journey of self-recovery, focused on reconnecting with her First Nation identity through education and work in community. This led her to graduate with honours from the Native Community and Social Development diploma program from Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology in Barrie.
Cher’s commitment extends beyond personal growth; she is devoted to designing and creating unique, handmade garments that blend contemporary elements with traditional Indigenous regalia. She is committed to the sharing and learning of Indigenous cultures, heritages, traditions and protocols.
Who are the MMIWGM2S?
MMIWGM2S stands for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, men and two-spirit people. The families of missing and murdered Indigenous women have been raising awareness for decades.
In 2004, the Native Women’s Association of Canada launched the Sisters In Spirit campaign to address violence against Indigenous women and girls, creating a database of these disappearances for greater coordination and communication across communities.
Through this program, Indigenous communities and allies collectively called for a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which took place from 2016 to 2019.
This event is wheelchair accessible
The university is committed to the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. If you require any additional accessibility accommodations to ensure your full participation, please email Cher Trudeau, Administrative Coordinator, Indigenous Education Council and Indigenous Initiatives, at [email protected].
Questions?
If you have any questions, please email Cher Trudeau, Administrative Coordinator, Indigenous Education Council and Indigenous Initiatives, at [email protected].
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
380 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 1W7, Canada
Tickets
