Messages of hope adorn quilts for MMIWG inquiry in Whitehorse

Atentset up behind the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre in Whitehorsehas been decorated with 19 quilts bearing messages of support for the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

About 40 families are set to provide testimony under the tentthis week, or in private adjacent cabins, asthe National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girlsgets underway.

"Wewanted messages of hope, we wanted messages of encouragement," said Gina Zeegers, an artist working on the project.

Zeegersis also known under her artist's name of Jorgina Sunn. Shesaid the quilts will make the inquiry look less like a courtroom and less intimidating.

She said the quilts were assembled in Saskatchewan where the national inquiry held workshops with inmates and as well as in women'sshelters.

• First public hearings for MMIWG Inquiry to begin in Whitehorse
• MMIWG chief commissioner still has 'hope' despite rocky start
• Beaded hearts project honours MMIWG in the North

Participants were asked to draw or write their thoughts about ending violence, and were encouraged to write messages to people affected by violence.

"It keeps it authentic," Zeegers said. "It creates a safe space for the families and people coming forward to tell their truths."

The idea came fromthe inquiry's Grandmothers' Advisory Council.

Public testimony will begin Tuesday and run until Thursday.