Red Dress Day is a day to honour and remember Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG). The number of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people in Canada who are missing, murdered, or have experienced violence, is disproportionately high: the Red Dress Project was launched in 2010 as a National Day of Awareness, and is held on May 5th every year.

What can you do?

• On May 5, as an act of reconciliation, wear red to honour Canada’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.
• Drop by your local AVRL branch and pick up a Red Dress Pin take and make kit, to wear on May 5th.
• This Red Dress Day, and every day, support the survivors and families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.
• Acknowledge this suffering not just on May 5th, but every day!
• Use your power and creativity to find ways to support Indigenous and other organizations that are standing up against systemic racism, inequity, and inequality.

What can we do collectively to help end this national tragedy?

• On May 5 this year, your organization could hang red dresses around your school or workplace.
• All staff or students could wear red to honour Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, survivors, families, and loved ones.
• Learn together. There are lots of great resources to help you learn more about MMIWG. Here are a few:

Red Dress Day- The Canadian Encyclopedia

Red Dress Day: What it is and how it began- CBC Kids

Safe Passage- Native Women’s Association of Canada

Let’s end this national tragedy, together.