Red Dress Day is a day to honour the memories of the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit+ people (MMIWG2S+) through Indigenous voices and stories. The use of a red dress was inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2010 and represents the pain and loss felt by loved ones and survivors. You can show your support by listening to Indigenous voices in stories and documentaries, wearing red or a moose hide pin, or hanging a red dress in a window.
Red Dress Day will be recognized at all Library locations from April 24 – May 5, with displays designed by Livia Manywounds, a Blackfoot designer, artist, communications specialist, and owner and founder of Dancing Storm Designs. Her designs have been featured at 2022 Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto, 2023 Indigenous Fashion Week Vancouver, and National Women's Show 2024.
Some First Nations believe that the colour red is the only colour that spirits can see. Red is used so that the souls of those who have been lost can be with us. A red hand over the mouth represents the silenced voices of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit+ people.
Source: Statistics Canada
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action #41 addresses the issue of disproportionate violence towards Indigenous women and girls and calls for the creation of a public inquiry into the crisis.
Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: A National Operational Overview
Missing and Murdered Aboriginal Women: 2015 Update to the National Operational Overview
Court outcomes in homicides of Indigenous women and girls, 2009-2021
Alberta Joint Working Group on MMIW
Annual Memorial Walk to Honour the Lives of MMIWG2S+
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