Red Dress Day 2025

Each year on May 5th, we come together to mark a day of profound importance—the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ People. Known evocatively as "Red Dress Day," this day has been illuminated by the poignant artistry of Métis artist Jaime Black. Through her REDress Project, Black has created a visually striking testament to a grievous national crisis that continues to impact Indigenous communities deeply.

The legacy of colonization has left indelible scars across our landscapes and within the hearts of many, directly contributing to the ongoing crisis where Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people face not only the highest rates of violence but are also disproportionately affected by sex trafficking. It's a harsh reality, underpinned by distressing statistics that reveal the severe vulnerability of Native American women—who are up to 10 times more likely to be assaulted or slain than other racial cohorts. From 2000 to 2018, the Urban Indian Health Institute documented 506 unique cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), with a staggering majority happening within that period.

This crisis is exacerbated by conditions such as the presence of man camps, which introduce additional threats of violence and sex trafficking into Indigenous communities. Moreover, the silence enveloping these injustices is profound, with a significant portion of assaults remaining unreported. These acts of violence are not isolated events but a pervasive part of everyday life that impacts health, wellness, and access to care and justice.

Our commitment, in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S's call for justice, acknowledges the essential role that research and awareness play in safeguarding the health, well-being, and safety of Indigenous communities.

Red Dress Day—An Amplifier for Voices Calling for Justice

Instituted to honor and remember those we have lost, Red Dress Day also amplifies the ongoing crisis of violence against these vibrant yet vulnerable members of our communities. It emerged from Jaime Black's groundbreaking REDress Project, which sees empty red dresses hung in public spaces as a haunting reminder of those who should still be with us.

Why Red?

The color red represents more than loss; it is believed to be visible to spirits, ensuring that those who have passed can see that we have not forgotten them. It serves as a beacon to mark the absence, yet the enduring spirit, of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

A Call to Solidarity and Action

Red Dress Day has evolved into a potent symbol of solidarity, education, and action. It encourages public participation in events that raise awareness, foster discussions, and demand proactive change to end this cycle of violence.

As we embrace Red Dress Day, and indeed, every day, we pay homage to the enduring spirits and the untold stories of resilience and strength among MMIWG2S. With compassionate hearts and steadfast resolve, we stand shoulder to shoulder with the families and communities steadfast in their pursuit of justice, healing, and transformation.

Let us each do our part—by wearing red, by seeking knowledge, by participating in community events—to remember, to honor, and to advocate for a future where Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people are cherished, protected, and safe. Together, we harness the power of collective action and empathy to spark meaningful change and ensure their spirits are never forgotten.