Walking With Our Sisters is a powerful commemorative art installation made up of more than 1,763 pairs of moccasin vamps, or “tops.” Each unfinished pair represents an Indigenous woman or girl from North America who is missing or murdered, symbolizing lives cut short before their journeys were complete.
Origins of the Project
The project was initiated in 2012 by Métis artist Christi Belcourt as a way to acknowledge the grief carried by families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and to spark dialogue across communities in Canada and the United States. Through a call on social media, people were invited to create moccasin tops in remembrance.
The response was overwhelming. By July 2013, over 1,600 vamps had been received, far surpassing the original goal of 600. In total, 1,725 pairs were created by more than 1,300 artists, including contributors from Canada, the U.S., and beyond. Alongside the moccasin vamps, over sixty audio recordings—songs, prayers, and messages—were submitted to accompany the exhibit.
Remembering the Children
In 2014, the project grew to honor another chapter of Indigenous history. 108 pairs of children’s moccasin vamps were added to remember the children who died or went missing while attending residential schools. This expansion took place at Algoma University, the former site of the Shingwauk Indian Residential School, where a ceremony was held to welcome the children’s vamps into the exhibition.
A Collective Effort
The touring exhibition is guided by the Walking With Our Sisters Collective, a volunteer team supported by Elders, artists, and community organizers. Under the guidance of Elder Maria Campbell, the collective ensures traditional protocol, cultural sensitivity, and community support at every installation. From curatorial work to family support and publication, the project thrives through the dedication of many volunteers.
More Than an Installation
Walking With Our Sisters is not just an art project—it is a space of remembrance, ceremony, and community healing. Each vamp is both a memorial and a voice, reminding us that these women, girls, and children are not forgotten. Together, they form a collective call for justice, awareness, and solidarity.
