The MMIW Red Hand Symbol

The red handprint is a symbol of solidarity and awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), Girls, and Two-Spirit people. It represents the countless silenced voices and the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous communities.

Origin and Meaning

The red handprint originated with the work of Jaime Black, a Métis artist from Winnipeg, Canada. Her REDress Project, which began in 2010, used empty red dresses to represent the missing and murdered women. The red handprint is often associated with this project and has become a powerful symbol in its own right.

Why Red?

The color red holds significant meaning in many Indigenous cultures. Some believe that red is the only color spirits can see, so it is used to call the spirits of the missing women back home. It can also represent anger, pain, and a call for justice.

Usage and Symbolism

The red handprint is often painted on faces, displayed on signs, and incorporated into artwork and demonstrations. It serves as a visual reminder of the MMIW crisis and a call for action to end the violence and injustice faced by Indigenous women and girls. It also represents remembrance, respect, and the demand for justice for the victims and their families.

Resources

* **Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC):** https://www.nwac.ca/ (Look for sections on MMIWG) * 

**Assembly of First Nations (AFN):** https://www.afn.ca/ (Search for MMIWG resources) * 

**Amnesty International:** https://www.amnesty.org/ (Search for MMIWG campaigns and reports) * 

**Human Rights Watch:** https://www.hrw.org/ (Search for reports and articles on Indigenous women's rights) * 

**United Nations:** https://www.un.org/ (Search for reports from UN agencies on Indigenous women and violence) * 

**Government of Canada:** https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1469086812429/1576585942606 (Specific to the National Inquiry and related initiatives) * 

**MMIWG Inquiry Report:** https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/ (Full report and related documents) * 

**National Indigenous Women's Resource Center (NIWRC):** https://www.niwrc.org/ (US-based, but contains relevant information and resources) * 

**Indian Law Resource Center:** https://indianlaw.org/ (Legal advocacy related to Indigenous rights) * 

* *Native Hope** https://www.nativehope.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw/

**State, Provincial, and Territorial Government Websites:** Search for Indigenous affairs or women's issues departments for local resources.

**mmiwhoismissing.org** MMIWhoismissing.org/  MMIWG Whoismissing