Monument to Rape Survivors Visits Quapaw

QUAPAW, Okla. – On Wednesday August 13, visitors witnessed stories from survivors of rape and abuse emblazoned on 200 bright red quilt squares.  On a sunny afternoon, the 200 quilt squares were on display at the Robert Whitebird Cultural Center in Quapaw, OK. The Monument Quilt, is an on-going project to create public healing space by and for survivors. The quilt was brought to Oklahoma by the Quapaw Tribe Domestic Violence Program and LEAD Agency.

“The Monument Quilt brings into sharp focus the event of domestic violence to all who attend it.  It manifests the cries.  It also shows strength of survivors.  This event is presented with solemn respect, facilitated with deep compassion and support, and provides a space for those to heal.  This event should be attended by everyone,” said Dana Jim, Cherokee/Navajo of Oklahoma.

During the event, Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma Tribal Council Member and sexual assault survivor Betty Gaedtke shared her story.  She presented a quilt square she made about her experience and added her square to the growing Monument Quilt.  Betty says, "I feel like there's a reason why [the quilt] is stopping here... I'm very honored and my message is just to reach out to not just native women, but all women. I also believe that this is happening for a reason to me. And maybe it's just, if I can just convince one person to go get help, it's all worthwhile.”

“34 percent of Native American women will be raped in their lifetimes, and 39 percent will be victims of domestic violence.  Current legislation does nothing to address the jurisdictional gap that leaves many Native American women absent of a path to bring their attackers to justice,” says Dee Killion, Director Family Services/Domestic Violence for the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma. Native women experience rates of violence at higher rates than any other ethnic group.

Visitors were able to read quilt squares, hear advocates speak, and enjoy a reception provided by the Quapaw Tribe.  Visitors also listened music from a local bagpipe musician and joined in a round dance.

Each quilt is completely different, like each individual experience with sexual violence.

One survivor wrote, “Please don’t tell me it didn’t happen or that I should be over it by now.”

The quilt that Gaedtke made states, “You are not alone.”

People who are interested in adding their own quilt square to the project can find instructions here. https://themonumentquilt.org/make-a-quilt-square/

The Quapaw display was the fourth stop on a 13-city US tour.  The Monument quilt will continue traveling this month to visit Des Moines, IA, White River, SD; Fox Valley, WI; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; Queens, NY; Durham, NC; Baltimore, MD; and Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT.

The 100 x 100 foot quilt displayed in Quapaw Wednesday is only the beginning. Over the next two years, more stories will be added to The Monument Quilt. In a final display, The Monument Quilt will blanket over one mile of the National Mall with thousands of quilt squares to spell “NOT ALONE.”