Red Dress Day

National Day of Awareness

Red Dress Day - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S and MMIP)

Warning
The content below is distressing. Those who have missing or murdered loved ones and/or if you or someone you love is experiencing harm through domestic violence, please seek support. Resources are available below.

Overview
The City of Cambridge in collaboration with Waterloo Regional Police Service – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit, Idea Exchange, SOAHAC, University of Waterloo - School of Architecture, and Business Improvement Associations brings an educational and awareness campaign to honour the murdered and missing Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirited people.

In 2010, Jamie Black (Métis), an Indigenous artist started to raise awareness in response to more than 1,000 missing and murdered Indigenous women, trans and Two-Spirited peoples in Canada through her art installation in various places to evoke the notion of the missing persons who should have been wearing these dresses.

The Assembly of First Nations reports that Indigenous women, girls, and people are likely to experience five times more violence than any other population in Canada.

What is Red Dress Day?
May 5th is recognized as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and Missing Murdered and Indigenous People (MMIP). It is also known as Red Dress Day, where the colour red is worn to draw attention to the call for action to all Canadians for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people.  

A day to commemorate the loss of Indigenous lives due to systemic discrimination and racism. The colour red is believed to be the only colour seen by the spirits. Therefore, it is a way of calling back the spirits of the people that have been lost, giving them a chance to be among the community with their loved ones and have their voices heard through family and community members.

Show Solidarity

• Wear RED (dress or T-shirt) on May 5th and post a photo on social media along with one of the following hashtags: #NationalDayofAwareness, #MMIWG, #MMIP #MMIWGActionNow and #RedDressDay. We also encourage you to inspire other staff to do the same.
• Hold a moment of silent reflection during a virtual meeting.
• Hang a red dress or red dress art print in your yard or window. For detailed instructions, please visit the REDress Art Project.
• Take a moment to visit the online Canadian memorial to pay tribute to Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
• If you are able, donate to an organization that works directly with MMIWG2S+ families, such as the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) or The Healing of The Seven Generations. Learn about Indigenous Canadian history from the Indigenous perspective.
  
  

Learning Resources

The Assembly of First Nations has been working diligently through the direction of the First Nations to address disappearance, murder, and violence against First Nations women, girls, and people. The Government of Canada is committed to addressing systemic discrimination and increasing the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ and Two-Spirited people. 

Government of Canada: Backgrounder - National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative

Wanuskewin - What is Red Dress Day

Assembly of First Nations - Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Ending Violence

Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Our Sisters in Spirit (MMIWG Documentary)

Local Organizations

SOAHAC » Waterloo Wellington

Qualia Counselling

Noojimo Health | Better Indigenous Mental Health Starts Here

K-W URBAN NATIVE WIGWAM PROJECT

Experiencing Harm or Domestic Violence

If you or your loved one is experiencing harm through domestic violence, please seek support:

• National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
  Support line available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, free of charge
  1-844-413-6649

• Hope for Wellness Helpline
  HelpLine immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada 1-855-242-3310

• Region of Waterloo Domestic Violence Page

Further confidential support is available at our Employee Family Assistance Program, Homewood Health, at 1-800-663-1142

• SASC Anti-Human Trafficking Program
• Community Justice Initiatives of Waterloo Region
  20 Ottawa St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 0A4
  519-744-6549
  A non-profit organization providing services and programs using restorative justice for offenders and victims * supports may include education programs, diversion programs, and referrals to community resources

• Partner Assault Response Program (PAR)
• Compass Community Services
  20 Shelldale Cres, Guelph, ON N1H 1C8
  519-824-2431
• Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
  151 Frederick St, Unit 200, 3rd Flr, Kitchener, ON N2H 2M2
  519-571-0121
  Provides group counselling for survivors of childhood sexual abuse * also provides community referrals, education, and awareness * 24-hour support line * individual and group counselling * family court support program * sexual violence legal advocacy * anti-human trafficking program * advocacy and accompaniment.
• Waterloo Region Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (St. Mary's General Hospital)
  400 Queen St S, Kitchener, ON N2G 1W7
  519-749-6994
  Doctors, nurses, and social workers care for people experiencing sexual assault and/or domestic violence.
• Victim Services of Waterloo Region
  PO Box 3070, Cambridge, ON N3H 5M1
  519-585-2363
  Provides immediate crisis intervention, emotional support and referrals to people affected by crime * services include:
• Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
  700 Heritage Dr, Kitchener, ON N2A 3N9
  519-741-9184
  Supports for women experiencing issues of family violence, including emotional, physical, sexual, or financial abuse, and their children * provides access to two emergency shelters.
• 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nations
  145 Front St E Suite 105, Toronto M5A 1E3
  416-944-9300
  
  Support, referrals, and advocacy:

• HIV/AIDS education and prevention including distribution of male and female condoms, lubricant, and Aboriginal resource material
• Needle exchange and harm reduction materials
• Same-sex domestic violence information and referral
• Care teams and caregiver training
• Counselling for all ages
• Social events
• Free Internet access
• Volunteer opportunities
• Cultural programming
   

Family Violence Prevention Program

Woolwich Community Services

5 Memorial Ave, Elmira, ON N3B 2P8
519-669-5139
1-800-661-7918

Individual and group support for those experiencing or having experienced controlling or abusive relationship(s) * ongoing personal support * referrals to other community services * Public Educator for schools and community groups.

Upcoming events