National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also known as Red Dress Day, is observed on May 5th in Canada. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015) supported a call for national public inquiry into the disproportionate victimization of Indigenous women and girls. This resulted in the publication of The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls' 2019 report, Reclaiming Power and Place.
It is important to acknowledge First Nations women and girls as matriarchs; keepers and caretakers of life, knowledge, culture and language; protectors of the land, water, and resources; traditional healers; life-givers; nurturers; food and medicine harvesters; activists and cycle-breakers. They continue to rebuild and reclaim these invaluable roles in our communities and systems despite the profound disruptions caused by racism, colonization and attempted genocide.
We encourage each of you to wear red in honour of, and to raise awareness of the thousands of stolen sisters across the country. The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) stands in unity with the family, friends, and communities of those lost loved ones.
A few ways to commemorate this day:
- Wear red – dresses, shirts, pins, earrings etc.
- Learn more about MMIW – see below links
- Partake in a community and/or organized MMIW events
The FNHA remains a committed partner to First Nations in BC and continues to champion transformative work with the federal and provincial governments for a culturally safe and racism-free health care environment. We collectively support the calls to end violence against First Nations women and girls and uplift voices to reclaim space and power within a colonial system.
The FNHA offers culturally safe and trauma-informed mental wellness supports for those who have lost a loved one. Additionally, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society offers grief and loss support services through the MMIWG Support Team – request for support link HERE.
For more information about Canada's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), visit:
