The following message includes topics that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experiences. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. For mental health and self-care resources, visit here.

The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People, otherwise known as Red Dress Day, is observed on Sunday, May 5.

Red Dress Day began with Jaime Black’s REDress Project, initiated in 2010, in which she hung red dresses in public spaces to represent the missing and murdered women, girls and Two Spirit people to honour their lives and their families.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S) released their Final Report in June 2019. The report detailed over 2,380 accounts from family members, survivors of violence, experts and Knowledge Keepers during two years of evidence gathering. Two volumes of the report conclude that persistent human and Indigenous rights violations are the root cause of Canada’s high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people.

Sections 11.1 – 11.2 call on educators across all levels to provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people and about the issues and causes of violence they experience. In this digital age, we have the ability to spread the truth, but we are also at odds with misinformation borne from ignorance and racism. It is our duty to their families and communities to advocate for the truth of Canada’s complacency in crimes against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people.

Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention.

This year, Giganawenimaanaanig, or the MMIWG2S+ Implementation Committee, will be speaking at Pow Wow on the impacts that loss has on Indigenous communities. Indigenous students and families who are the mourning the loss of loved ones will also be recognized for their perseverance and strength.

The flags at Notre Dame Campus and PGI will be lowered to half-mast on Friday and remain lowered through the weekend to pay respect to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People.