Each year on May 5th, communities across Canada and beyond recognize Red Dress Day to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). Red Dress Day, formally known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, began as an art installation by Métis artist Jaime Black. Her REDress Project uses hanging red dresses to bring awareness to the countless Indigenous women who have gone missing or have been murdered in Canada.
Red dresses have become a powerful symbol not only of remembrance, but of resistance.
Anti-Indigenous Racism – A Dark Legacy
This crisis cannot be separated from the history of anti-Indigenous racism in Canada. Discriminatory practices and institutional neglect contribute directly to the disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous women.
The statistics are staggering: although Indigenous women make up only 4% of Canada’s female population, they account for 16% of all female homicide victims and 11% of missing women cases.
In 2019, a national inquiry declared the crisis a genocide, exposing deep-rooted and ongoing systemic failures in policing, justice, and health care that have left Indigenous women and gender-diverse people unprotected.
Despite growing public awareness, systemic racism continues to expose Indigenous women to heightened vulnerability. Across the country, they face significantly higher rates of unemployment, housing insecurity, poverty, and addiction compared to non-Indigenous women—factors that increase the risk of exploitation, and violence.
Red Dress Day serves as a powerful reminder that these injustices are not isolated incidents, but symptoms of deeply entrenched systems of oppression.
From Reflection to Action
To honour Red Dress Day, many Indigenous communities come together to host marches, vigils, and ceremonies. And as we reflect on its significance, we are also reminded of our collective duty to act. We can start by listening to the stories of survivors and families who continue to seek justice for their loved ones, and advocate for systemic change.
Red Dress Day also reminds us that this is not a “historical” issue, but a current one. Wearing red, and participating in events may seem like small gestures, but they are part of a larger movement that honours the lives lost but more importantly, demands meaningful action.
Here are some ways we can take action today in support of MMIWG2S:
1. Educate Yourself and Others
Commit to ongoing learning about the root causes of MMIWG2S such as colonialism, systemic racism, and gender-based violence.
2. Support Indigenous-Led Organizations
Donate to or volunteer with Indigenous-run organizations that directly support families of the missing and advocate for policy change. Prioritize groups that are community-based and led by Indigenous women or Two-Spirit people.
3. Advocate for Policy Reform
Whether in the workplace or community, advocate for spaces that prioritize Indigenous voices, leadership, and experiences. Contact your local and national representatives to demand implementation of recommendations from inquiries like the National Inquiry.
4. Center Indigenous Voices
Uplift Indigenous artists, writers, educators, and activists. Attend their events, amplify their messages, and make space for their leadership in conversations about justice and reconciliation.
5. Reflect on and Challenge Your Own Institutions
Whether in the workplace, or community, assess how your institutions engage with Indigenous issues and
