Honouring Red Dress Day: A Call to Action for MMIWG2S
May 5th marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), more widely recognized as Red Dress Day. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and most importantly — a call to action.
On this powerful and emotional day, we honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). Across the country, red dresses are hung in public spaces — silent yet striking symbols of the lives lost and the families forever changed by this ongoing national crisis.
But Red Dress Day is more than symbolic. It’s a reminder that the violence facing Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people is not a thing of the past — it is a reality that persists, rooted in colonialism, systemic racism, and the failure of institutions to protect Indigenous lives.
This is not just a one-day reflection. It is a daily commitment to listen, learn, and advocate for change. Whether you’re new to this conversation or have been walking alongside Indigenous communities for years, we encourage you to deepen your understanding and share your knowledge.
Learn More and Take Action
Below are some important resources to explore and share. These offer insight into the history of Red Dress Day, the experiences of families and survivors, and the ongoing work of advocacy organizations:
What is Red Dress Day?
An introduction to the origins and significance of Red Dress Day.
KAIROS: Honouring the Lives of MMIWG2S
A guide to taking meaningful action and standing in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
National Inquiry into MMIWG – Official Website
Read the final report, access survivor testimonies, and learn about the Inquiry’s recommendations.
NWAC: Advocacy & Policy on MMIWG2S
Explore the Native Women’s Association of Canada’s work on justice and systemic change.
"What Their Stories Tell Us" – NWAC Report (2010)
A powerful collection of personal stories from families of MMIWG2S.
MMIWG Mandate & Scope
Learn about the framework that guided the National Inquiry.
Powerful Voices and Art Leading the Way
TEDx Talk: Tamara Bernard — One Heel, One Moccasin
Tamara Bernard of Gull Bay Nation shares her powerful message about decolonizing our minds, challenging violence and marginalization, and reclaiming identity. Wearing a high heel on one foot and a moccasin on the other, she symbolizes the intersection of cultures and the strength of Indigenous women navigating two worlds.
The REDress Project by Jaime Black
Métis artist Jaime Black launched the REDress Project in 2010, creating a striking visual symbol for the lives lost. Empty red dresses hung in public spaces have since become a national emblem of remembrance and resistance. Her work continues to inspire awareness and action across the country.
Join Us: Honouring Our Sisters Gathering
Indigenous women are warmly invited to attend KL’s Honouring Our Sisters gathering on May 16 at the Coast Bastion Hotel.
This free, full-day gathering is for self-empowerment, wellness, and community. Enjoy hands-on workshops, self-care activities, crafting, and connection with local service providers — all in a supportive and uplifting environment.
This day is all about you — to reflect, recharge, and rise together.