Red Dress Day: Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Red Dress Day is a poignant and powerful event that honours the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people across Canada and the United States. This day, observed annually on May 5th, is a time for communities to come together, raise awareness, and demand justice for the countless lives lost and affected by violence. The red dress, as a symbol of this movement, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis and the urgent need for action and systemic change.

The Origins of Red Dress Day
Red Dress Day originated from the RED Dress Project, an art installation created by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2010. Black’s project involved hanging red dresses in public spaces to symbolize the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The sight of these empty dresses was intended to evoke a sense of absence and loss, bringing attention to the crisis and encouraging public dialogue.

The choice of the colour red is deeply significant. In many Indigenous cultures, red is believed to be the only colour spirits can see, symbolizing a call for the spirits of these lost women and girls to be with us and be remembered. The red dress has since become a powerful emblem of the movement, representing the bloodshed, pain, and resilience of Indigenous communities.

The Crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) is a severe and persistent issue in North America. Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by violence, facing rates of murder and disappearance far higher than those of non-Indigenous women. According to the National Crime Information Center, in 2016, there were 5,712 reports of missing American Indian and Alaska Native women and girls, yet only 116 cases were logged in the U.S. Department of Justice’s federal missing persons database.

In Canada, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released its final report in 2019, which included 231 calls for justice. The inquiry concluded that the violence experienced by Indigenous women and girls amounts to a national genocide, perpetuated by systemic racism, socio-economic disparities, and the ongoing effects of colonization.

Raising Awareness and Promoting Action
Red Dress Day serves as a vital platform for raising awareness about the MMIWG crisis. Across North America, events and activities are organized to honor the victims and support their families. These include marches, vigils, art installations, educational workshops, and social media campaigns. Participants often wear red clothing or display red dresses in solidarity, creating a visual representation of the movement.

Educational initiatives are crucial in addressing the root causes of this crisis. Schools, universities, and community organizations host discussions and presentations to educate the public about the historical and contemporary factors contributing to violence against Indigenous women. These efforts aim to foster a deeper understanding of the issue and promote empathy and allyship.

Supporting Families and Communities
Red Dress Day is not only about raising awareness but also about supporting the families and communities affected by this crisis. Families of missing and murdered Indigenous women often face significant challenges, including a lack of resources, support, and justice. Community-led initiatives play a crucial role in providing emotional, financial, and legal assistance to these families.

Organizations such as the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) offer support services, advocacy, and resources for affected families. These organizations work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of Indigenous women are heard and that their stories are not forgotten.

The Role of Art and Media
Art and media play a significant role in the Red Dress movement, helping to convey the emotional impact of the crisis and reach a broader audience. Jaime Black’s REDress Project is a prime example of how art can create a powerful visual representation of the issue, prompting reflection and conversation.

Documentaries, films, and books have also contributed to raising awareness and understanding. Works such as “Highway of Tears,” “Finding Dawn,” and “The Red Ribbon Skirt Project” highlight personal stories and systemic issues, providing a platform for Indigenous voices and experiences.

Social media has become an essential tool for advocacy and solidarity. Campaigns using hashtags like #MMIWG, #RedDressDay, and #NoMoreStolenSisters amplify the message and engage a global audience. These digital efforts help to maintain visibility and momentum for the movement throughout the year.

Government and Institutional Response
While grassroots and community-led initiatives are vital, addressing the MMIWG crisis also requires significant governmental and institutional action. The final report of Canada’s National Inquiry into MMIWG outlined numerous recommendations, emphasizing the need for systemic change across various sectors, including justice, health, and education.

In response, the Canadian government has committed to implementing a national action plan to address the calls for justice. This includes measures to improve police response, provide better support for victims’ families, and address socio-economic disparities affecting Indigenous communities.

In the United States, legislative efforts such as the Savanna’s Act and the Not Invisible Act aim to improve data collection, enhance coordination between law enforcement agencies, and provide more resources to address the crisis. These steps are critical, but ongoing vigilance and advocacy are necessary to ensure that promises translate into meaningful action and change.

The Path Forward
Red Dress Day is a solemn reminder of the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, but it is also a day of hope and resilience. It is an opportunity to honor the lives lost, support affected families, and recommit to the fight for justice and equality.

As individuals, we can contribute by educating ourselves and others, supporting Indigenous-led organizations, and advocating for systemic change. By wearing red and participating in Red Dress Day activities, we show solidarity with Indigenous communities and help to keep the conversation alive.

Ultimately, addressing the MMIWG crisis requires a collective effort, involving governments, institutions, and individuals. By working together, we can create a society where Indigenous women and girls are safe, valued, and respected, and where their voices and stories are heard and honored.

Conclusion
Red Dress Day is a powerful and necessary observance that shines a light on the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and girls. It calls for reflection, action, and change, urging society to recognize the deep-rooted issues contributing to this crisis and to take meaningful steps toward justice and reconciliation. As we honor the lives of those who have been lost, we must also commit to creating a future where such violence is no longer tolerated, and where every Indigenous woman and girl can live free from fear and harm.