National MMIWG2S Awareness Day

May 5th is observed as Red Dress Day, an annual awareness event that aims to draw attention to the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) in Canada. It began with Métis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, an exhibit that continues to see red dresses displayed in public spaces throughout Canada and the United States. The red dress is used as a symbol to represent the spirits of the women who have been lost to violence and to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of MMIWG2S. Red Dress Day serves as an opportunity to remember those who have been lost, support the families and survivors of MMIWG2S, and raise awareness about the need for action to end this ongoing tragedy.

To Learn More:

• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
• The Native Women's Association of Canada
• Assembly of First Nations

If you or someone you know is affected by MMIWG2S, are in distress, or require immediate emotional assistance you can call the National 24/7 MMIWG crisis line at 1-844-413-6649.