May 5 is the National Day of Awareness and remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, also known as Red Dress Day. The day was inspired by Metis Artist, Jamie Black, who helped launch the Red Dress movement. The ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people that we are facing is a direct result of colonization.
In alignment with several calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the calls to justice developed by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, PSAC Ontario recognizes that this day serves as a reminder of the need to address the issues that Indigenous women and two-spirit people face, that we demand justice, accountability and support for the families that have been affected.
On Red Dress Day, and every day, we honour the lives and legacies of MMIWG2S by listening to their stories and commemorating their strength and spirits. We stand in solidarity with the families and communities who continue in the pursuit of justice, healing, and change.
To raise awareness and pay tribute on this day, we are all are encouraged to wear red, become informed, and participate in your local community events to commemorate this important day.
In Solidarity,
Michelle Woods, Indigenous Members Representative