Critiquing the Institutionalization of the Red Dress Exhibit in the Canadian Museum For Human Rights

Abstract

This paper examines the complexities of institutionalizing The Red Dress Project, a symbol addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2s), within museums, particularly the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. Specifically highlighting strained historical relationships between Indigenous peoples and museums, this critique emphasizes the risk of portraying an ongoing issue as a historical event, hindering public awareness and action. I will expand on my critique by utilizing my personal experience at the museum, not only as a museum patron, but as a Coast Salish, Two-Spirit person myself.