The original Red Shirt design created by Shayre Curé.

The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. 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. Access mental health and self-care resources, here.

On behalf Jamie Wilson, VP Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development and I, we are pleased to ‘pass the pen’ to Carla Kematch, Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement and Jessica Bloomfield, Senior Strategic Advisor:

Good afternoon,

Today, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S). The flags on RRC Polytech Campuses are lowered today as the College observes this day.

This day comes just four days after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and calls attention to the need for justice in addition to spreading the truth and taking action in reconciliation. Many families and communities all over Turtle Island have been devastated by the loss of loved ones – families like those of Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, Rebecca Contois, and Mashkode Mizhiki’ikwe.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People is a movement that illustrates the racist legacy of Canada’s justice system and the policies that lead to the circumstances in which Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people are at risk of being murdered or going missing.

In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls published the final report, Reclaiming Power and Place, and asserts 231 Calls to Justice that address issues that accumulate into dangerous situations.

Call to Justice 11.1 addresses all educators and educational institutions:

“ We call upon all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary institutions and education authorities to educate and provide awareness to the public about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people, and about the issues and root causes of violence they experience…”

Read the full Call to Justice 11.1 here.

RRC Polytech finds opportunities year-round to inform the College community about issues related to Truth and Reconciliation, including topics on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People.

During Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement Week, members of the College community were invited to join Gerri-Lee Pangman (McPherson) to bead red dress pins to recognize and honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People and the Day of Action. Dr. Karine Duhamel presented A Look at The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in which she discussed the various factors that contribute to the risks that Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people face because of historical precedents and policies.

Last year, RRC Polytech and the Campus Store partnered with Métis artist Shayre Curé to create an original design for a Red Shirt for MMIWG2S, the proceeds of which go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students.

This October 4, we encourage you to view resources available through the Library, like Felicia Solomon’s Story, and Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy from CBC Curio; and films through the National Film Board like Finding Dawn, The Red Dress, and this river.

This evening, many staff and students will participate in a Paint Night with local artist Dawn Chartrand to create a painting in honour of MMIWG2S. Please note this event is at capacity. For more information and to keep up-to-date with events hosted by the Indigenous Support Centre, subscribe to the Indigenous Blog. Staff and students can also express their learning efforts by displaying a red dress in their windows, or by exploring opportunities as part of TRC Week events.

We’d also like to acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous students and employees. Please remember that, outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, Indigenous community members may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.

Thank you,

Carla Kematch,
Director, Truth and Reconciliation and Community Engagement

Jessica Bloomfield,
Senior Strategic Advisor

Other Resources:

• The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.
• 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.