Red Dress Day: May 5th
National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S)
Red Dress Day honours the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBQQIA peoples across Canada. Métis artist, Jamie Black, helped inspire the Red Dress movement where dresses are hung from windows and trees to recognize the pain and loss that loved ones, victims and survivors experience.
The empty red dresses are meant to create a visual representation of the missing people who should be wearing them. The colour red was chosen because it represents the lifeblood and connection between all people, and carries significance for many Indigenous cultures. According to lore, red is the only colour spirits can see. The red dresses aid in calling the spirits of the missing and murdered back to their loved ones.
Learn More
KAIROS Blanket Exercise
The KAIROS Blanket Exercise was developed by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition with Indigenous elders and educators and is an experiential learning tool to narrate the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in a Canadian context. "The KBE centers the stories of Indigenous Peoples to teach what most Canadians are never taught – Indigenous history, legacy and traditions, and the struggles, harm and injustices arising from colonization."
What You Can Do
“The Red Dress represents a calling back to the spirits of these women; allowing them a chance to be among us and have their voices heard through family members and community.”
Non-Indigenous Canadians can support Red Dress Day (May 5) beyond that date by reading the MMIWG+ Final Report, advocating for the implementation of its 231 Calls for Justice, and supporting Indigenous-led organizations financially. Continuous action includes educating oneself, supporting families of victims, and holding governments accountable to end systemic injustice
Actionable Ways to Support Beyond May 5:
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Educate Yourself and Others: Read the Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls to understand the root causes of the crisis.
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Support Indigenous Businesses/Artists:Actively buy from, read, and listen to Indigenous creators, authors, and artists.
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Advocate for Policy Changes: Support the implementation of a national "Red Dress Alert" system to notify the public when Indigenous women or 2SLGBTQI+ people go missing.
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Donate to Advocacy Groups: Support organizations such as the Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC) or local community groups working directly with families.
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Engage in Consistent Action: Attend vigils, walks, and educational events throughout the year, not just on May 5.
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Call Out Racism and Sexism: Actively challenge systemic racism, discrimination, and misogyny in daily life.
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Support Ongoing Campaigns: Participate in initiatives like the Moose Hide Campaign, which focuses on engaging men and boys in ending violence against women and children.
(If you are affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and need immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. You can also access long-term health support services such as mental health counselling, community-based emotional support and cultural services and some travel costs to see Elders and traditional healers. Family members seeking information about their missing or murdered loved one can access Family Information Liaison Units.)