Red Dress Day, observed on May 5, honours the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives and raises awareness of the disproportionate and ongoing violence against women, girls and two-spirit people.
Red dresses displayed on the day are a powerful reminder of the pain experienced by loved ones, survivors and those lost. It is a day dedicated to reflection and action towards dismantling systemic barriers and racism to secure justice, safety and healing for Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit people and their communities.
The Inspiration
This movement is inspired by Métis artist Jaime Black who created the REDress Project, "an aesthetic response to the more than 1,000 missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada."
In these installations, red dresses are hung in trees or affixed to a structure, as if floating, and left empty to evoke the missing women and girls. Black was told by a friend that red is the only colour spirits could see.
Through the installation, Black hoped to draw attention to the "gendered and racialized nature of violent crimes against Aboriginal women and to evoke a presence through the marking of absence."
Show your Support by:
- Wearing red on May 5 to show solidarity
- Displaying a red dress in your window, workplace or another public space
- Participating in community-led gatherings, walks and vigils
Event History
The first Red Dress Day event was held on May 5, 2010, as a day of honouring for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. It calls attention to end the ongoing crisis of violence and marginalization rooted in patriarchy, racism and colonial policies. Communities across Canada continue to observe Red Dress Day through the display of red dresses, gatherings, ceremonies, vigils and walks.
(Red)is really a calling back of the spirits of these women and allowing them a chance to be among us and have their voices heard through their family members and community. - Jaime Black
Other Indigenous Commemorations
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Moose Hide Campaign | May (dates vary) |
| Blue Jean Jacket Day | June 6 |
| Indigenous History Month | June |
| Okîsikow (Angel) Way Day | June 14 |
| Treaty No. 6 Recognition Day | August 23 |
| Walk a Mile in a Ribbon Skirt | September 16 |
| Orange Shirt Day Run and Walk | September 28 |
| National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | September 30 |
| Sisters in Spirit Day | October 4 |
| Métis Week | November (Dates vary) |