Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+)

Kawartha Lakes – Red Dress Day is a time for remembrance, reflection, education, and action. Empty red dresses displayed in public spaces symbolize the Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people whose lives have been taken or who remain missing, while also honouring the families, survivors, and communities continuing to advocate for justice and safety.

Today, on Red Dress Day, we recognize and honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people across Canada. We encourage everyone to wear red as a symbol of remembrance, solidarity, and awareness, as the colour red has become a powerful symbol calling attention to those who are missing and those whose lives were taken too soon. This day is also a solemn reminder of the ongoing violence faced by Indigenous communities and the need for truth, justice, and reconciliation.

Although Indigenous women make up only about 5% of Canada’s female population, they account for approximately 16% of female homicide victims and 11% of missing women cases, and are estimated to be six times more likely to be murdered than non-Indigenous women.

The day originated through the REDress Project created by Métis artist Jaime Black, and has become a nationally recognized movement to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls documented testimony from thousands of survivors, families, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers, and identified systemic human rights violations contributing to this crisis. The Final Report included 231 Calls for Justice directed at governments, institutions, and all Canadians.

Community members are encouraged to:

• Wear red on May 5
• Learn about the history of Red Dress Day
• Reflect on the role each person can play in ending violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people by visiting the Assembly of First Nations website to learn more
• Participate in local ceremonies and acts of remembrance
• Learn about the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry
• Support Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives
• Share the age-appropriate information in the Métis Resource List
• Read about First Nations Women in Leadership: Advice for Leaders
• Additional educational resources about Red Dress Day and ways to take action are available through Amnesty International

Support Services

Individuals and families impacted by violence, trauma, or the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People can access federal and national support services, including:

Hope for Wellness Help Line

Call: 1-855-242-3310
Online chat available at: https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line

Call: 1-844-413-6649

Talk4Healing (for Indigenous women in Ontario)

Call or text: 1-855-554-4325
Available in 14 languages, 24/7