May 5 marks Red Dress Day — the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people (MMIWG2S). This day was named by Métis artist Jaime Black as “an aesthetic response to this critical national issue,” using empty red dresses as a powerful visual reminder of the lives stolen by violence.
On Friday a representative from Halifax’s Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre met with Society staff about Red Dress Day. Staff listened to drumming and crafted “faceless dolls”. Behind each doll staff wrote the name of someone missing or murdered, to honour them. The dolls were taken back to the Friendship Centre to demonstrate the Society’s support of MMIWG.
The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people is not a historical issue — it’s ongoing, and it is a direct result of colonization. In Canada, more than 60% of Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. The effects of this violence reach far and wide, from access to health care to representation in health research, and it leaves lasting impacts on individuals, families, and communities.
Red Dress Day is a time to honour the lives, legacies, and spirits of MMIWG2S. We remember their stories, their strength, and the communities that continue to fight for justice, healing, and change.
Here’s how you can show your support:
- Wear red to raise awareness
- Learn more about the history and ongoing crisis
- Join a local event to commemorate this day in your community
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7:
- Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous-centred): 1-855-242-3310
- Crisis Services Canada (nationwide): 9-8-8
- National Family and Survivors Circle: 1-844-413-6649
Learn more:
- Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people
- Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Métis artist Jaime Black
- MMIWG – Native Council of Nova Scotia
- Red Dress Day | Amnesty International Canada