Red Dress Day

What is Red Dress Day?

Red Dress Day 2025, observed annually on May 5th, is a significant national day dedicated to remembering and advocating for the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). This day originated from the REDress Project, an impactful art initiative created by Métis artist Jaime Black in 2010. The project aimed to bring attention to the disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous women and girls through a visual display of empty red dresses.

On Red Dress Day, communities across Canada engage in a powerful display of solidarity and remembrance. Symbolic red dresses are prominently displayed in various locations, hanging from trees, draped over windowsills, and worn in creative ways such as earrings. Faces are painted with red handprints, symbolizing the silenced voices of those who have been lost. Throughout the day, individuals come together in rallies and ceremonies, honoring the memories of loved ones while raising awareness of the ongoing issues faced by Indigenous communities.

These gatherings serve as a space for allies to join the movement, standing in support of justice and equality. Participants engage in discussions, share personal stories, and learn more about how they can contribute to this cause. The combination of art, activism, and community bonding on Red Dress Day highlights the critical need for change and justice, while keeping the memories of those who have been lost alive. Through these collective efforts, the day fosters a sense of unity and drives action towards a safer and more equitable future for Indigenous peoples.

What is the MMIWG2S+ Report?

The MMIWG Report refers to the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which was published in June 2019. This significant document is the culmination of more than two years of collecting testimonies from over 2,380 individuals, including family members of missing and murdered women, survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, front-line workers, and experts. The inquiry was tasked with examining and reporting on the systemic causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people in Canada, as well as proposing effective solutions. Presented in two volumes, the report includes 231 Calls for Justice, which are directed at governments, institutions, social services, industries, and all Canadians, urging collective action and accountability.

Why Red Dress Day Matters

Indigenous women and girls continue to face a human rights crisis in Canada, with the violence they endure being described as genocide by the MMIWG Report. This is not merely a crisis; it is a national shame. Canada's systemic structures, from the Indian Act to modern policing, have historically contributed to the disappearance and marginalization of Indigenous women. These broken systems have served their intended purpose—erasing Indigenous presence, silencing Indigenous voices, and destroying Indigenous futures.

Red Dress Day is significant because it brings the invisible into focus. It compels Canada to confront hard truths and reckon with its past and present injustices. It serves as a powerful reminder that every life matters—those lives that have been lost and those still at risk. Red Dress Day symbolizes the ongoing fight for justice, resilience, and recognition, reinforcing that the movement for change will never cease.

For a full list of Red Dress Day events you can participate here in YYC click here.