By Nadia McLaren
Red Dress Day, or National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S, is recognized on May 5 to honour the many murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people. This year, Women’s College Hospital’s (WCH) Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health (CWP-IH) will be hosting several events in honour of the day.
Red Dress Day/National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S , May 5
Every year, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (also known as Red Dress Day) is commemorated on May 5, with all Canadians encouraged to wear a red shirt to raise awareness of this crisis.
The REDress Project is an ongoing art series by artist Jamie Black, that highlights the epidemic of violence and genocide against Indigenous women across Canada. This also includes trans and Two-Spirit individuals. Vibrant red dresses hang in public spaces to symbolize just a small portion of the countless MMIWG2S victims who are no longer with us and serves as a reminder of the violent crimes committed against them.
The CWP-IH will also be hosting a booth in the Peter Gilgan Atrium on May 5 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and all #TeamWCH is encouraged to visit and learn about the National Day of Awareness of MMIWG2S.
Upholding the Sacred Feminine: Honouring and Remembering Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirit People
At the end of April, the CWP-IH in partnership with the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre (SA/DVCC) and Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centres held a virtual discussion to honour MMIWG2S (missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit).
The discussion focused on the National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S, or Red Dress Day, which is held on May 5 every year.
Upholding the Sacred Feminine: Honouring and Remembering MMIWG2S
“What does care and support look like when we know ALL Women Are Sacred?”
– CWP-IH, Elder in residence, Cindy White