Red Dress Day (MMIWG2S+ Awareness Day)

Tomorrow is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, Transgender and Gender-Diverse Peoples (MMIWG2S+), also known as Red Dress Day. This day was inspired by Métis artist and activist Jaime Black through her REDress Project, founded in 2009.

Across Canada, on May 5th, red dresses are displayed in public spaces such as trees, windows, and gathering places. These installations serve as powerful visual reminders of those who are missing or have been taken. Each dress represents a life, a story, and families and communities forever impacted.

The symbolic red dress invites reflection, remembrance, and learning, while drawing attention to the ongoing crisis of gendered and racialized violence against Indigenous communities. There are many meaningful ways to show support and honour the lives and legacies of MMIWG2S+, including wearing red tomorrow, placing a red dress in a window at home or work, attending a local event, or simply taking time to learn more.

Here in our community, qathet SAFE is hosting a candlelight vigil on May 28th from 4-5:30pm at Willingdon Beach to honour MMIWG2S+ and all women around the world. All are welcome to attend. Learn more here.

Watch this video to learn more about the REDress Project: