Red Dress Day – the National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S) – marks a day of remembrance and awareness for the profound violence experienced by thousands of Indigenous women, gender-diverse people, and their communities. This day first began in 2010 as the REDress Project, an art installation by Metis artist Jaime Black, and displayed hanging red dresses as a symbol of those lost to the ongoing violence.
In Canada, Indigenous women are overrepresented across nearly all accounts of violence. Despite only making up 4.3% of the population, Indigenous women make up 16 % of female homicide victims and 11% of missing women.
Alberta is amongst the highest number of MMIWG2S cases.
On Red Dress Day, and every day, we honour the lives and legacies of MMIWG2S by listening to their stories and commemorating their strength and spirits. We stand in solidarity with the families and communities who continue in the pursuit of justice, healing, and change.
To raise awareness and pay tribute on this day, wear red, inform yourself about MMIWG2S, and participate in your local community events to commemorate this day.
If you, or someone you know is experiencing signs of distress don’t hesitate to reach out to services available 24/7/365:
- Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous centered): 1-855-242-3310
- Crisis Services Canada: (Canada-wide) 9-8-8
- National Family and Survivors Circle: 1-844-413-6649
