May 5th - Red Dress Day

May 5 is widely recognized as Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). It is a time to remember and honour the many Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people who have gone missing or been taken by violence. Justice has too often been delayed or denied, and this remains an ongoing reality for Indigenous families and communities.

Red Dress Day began in 2010 with Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project. Through the display of empty red dresses in public spaces, the installation represents the lives lost and the absence left behind. These dresses draw attention to the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people — and the many cases that remain unresolved.

Indigenous women are significantly more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women, leaving many families and communities without answers or closure. The red dress stands as both a symbol of loss and a call to action.

It reminds us of the urgent need for systemic change — to address racism, sexism, and the impacts of colonialism — and to work collectively toward justice, safety, and accountability. It calls on all of us to challenge harmful attitudes and support meaningful change.

Each red dress represents a life — a daughter, a sister, a mother, a loved one — taken too soon. It also reflects the strength, resilience, and dignity of Indigenous peoples and communities.

Please take a moment to reflect, remember, and honour.

Take care of yourself and one another — because you matter.