Solidarity Shawl Project
Solidarity Shawl Project
A Sacred Symbol
A USDOJ study concluded that 31.4% of American Indian and Alaska Native women- or more than 1 in 3- will be raped during their lifetime. Amnesty International’s interviews with women across Indian country found that most could not think of a woman within their community who had not been subjected to sexual violence.
Amnesty International: Maze of Injustice, 2006
Shawls are very symbolic to Native people. The fringe is said to represent the tears of Indian women crying for the pain and suffering the people have endured for generations; yet it also represents strength, beauty, and solidarity.
The red, teal, and purple Solidarity Shawls were created by Native women to show their solidarity and support for other Native women and children who have been victimized by sexual assault and/or domestic violence.
The teal colored fringe honors victims and survivors of Sexual Assault. The purple fringe honors victims and survivors of Domestic Violence. The red shawl honors all Native people who have survived many forms of violence throughout history.
Because shawls are so precious to our people, yet we have many Non-native supporters who wish to share in our solidarity, we have created small wraps to place over ones arm. We appreciate this support while respecting our unique cultural practice of wearing shawls.
We also have many men who support our efforts to end violence against Native women and children. For them, we have created armbands with teal and purple ribbon to encourage participation in the restoration of respect and balance within our communities.
make a shawl on your own
Basic supplies recommendation
2-3 yards of Red fabric- Cost: $4-$5 per yard
100% polyester, Gabardine, or broadcloth is recommended because they are sturdy fabrics that are wrinkle and fade resistant.
We found 50% off coupons available online at www.joann.com for your choice of material. Red Gabardine is running $5.99 right now, but 50% = $3.00 a yard!
1-2 1000 yard spools of purple and/or teal fringe- Cost $15.30 per 1000 yard spool
We found great prices on www.crazycrow.org
Enter spool fringe in the little search box, click search, click on Code 3510-100 to see colors of fringe. We are using Peacock # 239 and Purple # 284 for our shawls.
1 spool red thread- $2
Needle, fine crochet hook, or tool of your choice to add fringe- Cost $2- $10 if you want to get fancy!
Your organization logo can be printed at a print shop. Price varies, but we got a deal for $7 each.
Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition and Sacred Hoop Coalition
To bring the Honoring Survivors Shawls to your community or event
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC) is a statewide Tribal coalition created specifically to address sexual violence against Native women and children.
at 1-877-995-4800 or [email protected] or www.miwsac.org
The Sacred Hoop Coalition (SHC) strives to increase awareness about domestic violence against Native women, enhance the response, and identify and provide technical assistance.
Advocate to Introduce
The women of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition and the Sacred Hoop Coalition came together to create the Honoring Survivors Shawls and Armbands. We chose to use the colors red, purple, and teal.
The teal colored fringe honors victims and survivors of Sexual Assault.
The purple fringe honors victims and survivors of Domestic Violence.
The color of the shawl is red to honor all Native people, male and female, who have survived many forms of violence throughout history, such as:
- Rape as a tool of war
- Our children being taken away from us for generations
- Men and women being sexually abused and beaten in boarding schools
- Native women being killed 2 times more often than other races by domestic violence
- One out of three Native women be sexually assaulted in their lifetime
Our men and women have carried this pain in silence too long. Dancing is a time for healing, for celebration of life, friends, and family!
Please come dance with us to honor ALL SURVIVORS of sexual and domestic violence.Dance to restore traditional values of respect for men, women, and children in our communities.
Dance for yourself, dance for a loved one, dance for our ancestors, dance for our future free from violence!
To bring the Honoring Survivors Shawls to your community or event, please contact:
The Minnesota Indian Women’sSexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC) 1-877-995-4800 Contact at 651-646-4800 or [email protected] or www.miwsac.org
at 1-877-995-4800 or [email protected] or www.miwsac.org
The Sacred Hoop Coalition (SHC) strives to increase awareness about domestic violence against Native women, enhance the response, and identify and provide technical assistance.
For more information:
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC) is a tribal coalition with statewide individual and program membership created specifically to address sexual violence against Native women and children.
MIWSAC strives to raise awareness and eliminate sexual violence by reclaiming the traditional values that honor the sovereignty of our women and children.
Contact at 651-646-4800 or [email protected] Website: www.miwsac.org
The Sacred Hoop Coalition (SHC) is: Native Women’s Leadership in Addressing Domestic Violence: Building Our Relationships, Strengthening Our Response.
SHC strives to increase awareness about domestic violence against Native women, enhance the response, and identify and provide technical assistance.
Website: www.msh-ta.org