Epidemic of Violence – Within native communities across North America, the red dress and red hand over the mouth is a widely recognized symbol of resistance. It symbolizes the raise for awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), who face a disproportionate amount of violence compared to non-indigenous women.
The color red is believed to be the only color which is seen in the spirit world, and as such the red hand over the mouth is not only a symbol that indigenous people are no longer silent on the matter; but also a call-back to the spirits of those who have been taken.
Institutional Racism and historical injustices form deep roots of the epidemic of violence against indigenous women. Colonization, displacement, and systemic marginalization have contributed to the vulnerability of Indigenous communities, making them far more susceptible to violence and exploitation.
Complications between tribal and federal legal structures significantly hinder efforts to prosecute perpetrators of violence against Indigenous women and 2-spirit individuals. Jurisdictional complexities stemming from overlapping jurisdictions often lead to uncertainty about which authority has the mandate to investigate and prosecute crimes committed on tribal lands, allowing non-Indigenous perpetrators, especially men, to exploit jurisdictional gaps and evade accountability. An example of this is found in “man camps”, which are set up for resource development projects. Situated on tribal land, they house transient, mostly male employees, who have no connection to indigenous people, and have the backing of the police.
The Highway of Tears is a striking example of how intergenerational trauma seeps from the residential schools into indigenous communities today. It refers to the 719-kilometer Highway 16 in British Columbia, and has known many indigenous women and girls to have been murdered or gone missing. For instance, as told by women from the Tachie reserve: many grow up in abusive homes, a direct result of the residential school system, whose abuse and neglect affect not only the survivors, but also the generations which follow. Tachie is situated in a remote area (about 950 kilometers north of Vancouver) with no access to public transit. The only way out of abusive homes is often to hitchhike— via the Highway of Tears. The women who safely make it to Vancouver, likely end up on Vancouver’s east side, also known as the ‘largest reserve in Canada’ due to the large population of indigenous people. It is common to take on sex work, as it is one of few options to secure a stable income. Thus their vulnerability as indigenous women is further perpetuated, especially taking into account institutional racism. It is as April Wiberg, a previous sex worker, said: “We identified as either Latina, Asian or exotic, because if we self-identified as Indigenous, we would be devalued and our safety would be at risk”.
Legislation – There have been various legislative efforts aimed at addressing the crises of MMIWG2S. For instance, in the US, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2013 included provisions to enhance protections for Native American women and improve law enforcement responses to violence against them. Additionally, the Savanna Act and Not Invisible Act, also both passed in the US, aimed to address the gaps in data collection and coordination between law enforcement agencies.
In the face of the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and 2-spirit individuals, it’s imperative to heed the call for action symbolized by the red dress and red hand over the mouth. These symbols not only represent resistance but also serve as reminders of the spirits of those who have been taken. Confronting the deep-rooted effects of colonization, displacement, and systemic marginalization requires dismantling institutional barriers, bridging jurisdictional gaps, and enacting meaningful legislative reforms. The Highway of Tears stands as a stark testament to the intergenerational trauma inflicted upon Indigenous communities, demanding unwavering commitment to justice and healing. Through collective advocacy, education, and solidarity, Indigenous voices can be amplified, their lives honored, and strides made towards a more just and equitable society.
References
Morin, Brandi. “Pipelines, Man Camps and Murdered Indigenous Women in Canada.” Al Jazeera, May 5, 2020. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2020/5/5/pipelines-man-camps-and-murdered-indigenous-women-in-canada.
NBC News. “Native American Women Face an Epidemic of Violence. A Legal Loophole Prevents Prosecutions.,” June 30, 2021. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/native-american-women-face-epidemic-violence-legal-loophole-prevents-prosecutions-n1272670.
“Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act Signed Into Law | Indian Law Resource Center,” n.d. https://indianlaw.org/swsn/savanna_not_invisible_laws.
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