A Resounding Call to Remember: Thompson Unveils Powerful MMIWG2S+ Monument for Healing and Justice

In a deeply moving ceremony, the community of Thompson, Manitoba, unveiled a powerful and poignant monument dedicated to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit+ (MMIWG2S+) people. This striking steel 'spirit dress' stands as a beacon of remembrance, healing, and a steadfast call for justice, offering a much-needed sacred space for families and the wider community.

The monument, a collaborative vision brought to life by Métis filmmaker and artist Janelle Wookey, is a towering stainless steel spirit dress, shimmering with reflective surfaces.

Designed to be seen from a distance, its very form evokes the presence of those who are absent, their spirits lingering and their stories demanding to be heard. Etched into its surface are the names of MMIWG2S+ individuals, transforming the structure into a deeply personal and collective memorial.

During the unveiling, Elder Sophie Lockhart delivered a heartfelt blessing, emphasizing the monument's role in helping families heal and find peace.

The ceremony itself was a testament to the community's profound grief, resilience, and unwavering commitment to addressing the crisis of disproportionate violence against Indigenous peoples. Families, leaders, and community members gathered, sharing tears, stories, and a shared hope for a future free from such loss.

Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook highlighted the monument's significance as a visible reminder of the issue and a place where families can grieve and find solidarity.

Federal NDP MP Niki Ashton echoed this sentiment, underscoring the monument's role in honouring the lives lost and empowering voices in the ongoing pursuit of justice. The design process itself was deeply collaborative, ensuring that the monument truly reflected the desires and needs of local Indigenous communities and affected families.

This significant project was made possible through dedicated funding, with the City of Thompson contributing $250,000 and the federal government providing an additional $200,000.

Such investment underscores the critical recognition of this ongoing national tragedy and the imperative for tangible steps towards reconciliation and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit+ individuals.

For many, particularly in Northern Manitoba, this monument marks a crucial step forward.

It is the first of its kind in the region, providing a physical space for reflection, advocacy, and a constant reminder that these lives mattered, and their memory will continue to inspire action. The monument stands not just as a memorial to the past, but as a powerful symbol of hope for a future where all Indigenous people can live free from violence and fear, their spirits honoured and their voices uplifted.