In Canada, May 5th marks a solemn and powerful day of remembrance. Red Dress Day is dedicated to honouring the memory of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), raising awareness about the ongoing crisis, and advocating for action to end violence against Indigenous women and 2SLGBT+.

Red Dress Day is about more than commemorating victims; it's about acknowledging the systemic issues that contribute to the disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous women. Colonialism, present-day racism, and the legacy of residential schools have all played a role in perpetuating this crisis.
Indigenous women and girls face significantly higher rates of violence than non-Indigenous women in Canada. According to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Indigenous women are six times more likely to be killed than non-Indigenous women.

One of the key goals of Red Dress Day is to raise awareness and start conversations about the root causes of violence against Indigenous women. By wearing red and participating in events and ceremonies, Canadians across the country show their solidarity and commitment to addressing this issue.

Raising awareness is only the first step, real change requires concrete action at all levels of society. This includes implementing the Calls for Justice outlined in the National Inquiry's final report. These 231 Calls for Justice include recommendations for government, law enforcement, the justice system, and all Canadians.

Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and organizations is crucial to enacting these Calls for Justice. These groups are on the front lines, providing support to survivors, advocating for policy changes, and working to address the root causes of violence in their communities.