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Dresses in Bend Honor Indigenous, Ukrainian Lives
Public art installation 'REDdress + WHITEdress' marks UNESCO's International Mother Language Day and the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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Dozens of red and white dresses were displayed in Farewell Bend Park in Bend, Oregon as part of a public art installation called 'REDdress + WHITEdress: Threads of Silenced Nations.' The red dresses honored Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, while the white dresses represented Ukrainian families displaced and silenced by war. The exhibit included a four-minute moment of silence to reflect on lives lost and communities forced to flee.
Why it matters
The art installation aimed to inspire compassion and unity, calling on Bend residents to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and welcome new Ukrainian neighbors to the community. It also highlighted the ongoing issues of missing and murdered Indigenous women and the impact of the war in Ukraine.
The details
The exhibit was created by Mila Shelehoff, founder of Kolovita, and was timed to coincide with UNESCO's International Mother Language Day and the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The red dresses represented the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, while the white dresses symbolized the displacement and silencing of Ukrainian families due to the war.
- The exhibit was held on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
- The four-minute moment of silence represented one minute for each year of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The players
Mila Shelehoff
The founder of Kolovita and creator of the 'REDdress + WHITEdress' installation.
Bend City Hall
Issued a proclamation recognizing the Day of Solidarity with Ukraine, which was read at the event.
What they’re saying
“I call on all Bend residents to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and with your new Ukrainian neighbors. Display a white or red dress in your front yard, on your fence, or on a clothesline. We need to be seen. We need to be welcomed. We are here to become part of this community.”
— Mila Shelehoff, Founder of Kolovita
The takeaway
The art installation in Bend highlighted the ongoing issues of missing and murdered Indigenous women and the impact of the war in Ukraine, while calling on the community to show solidarity and welcome new Ukrainian neighbors. Small acts of visibility and solidarity can help strengthen cultural connections and foster a more welcoming city.
