Red Dress Day

Red Dress Day
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Remembering, Raising Awareness, and Taking Action for Indigenous Women

Each year on May 5, Red Dress Day is observed across Canada to honour the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). Inspired by the REDress Project created by Métis artist Jaime Black, this day raises awareness about an ongoing and urgent issue.

A Powerful Symbol of Remembrance and Solidarity

Red dresses, hung in trees, on doorways, or in public spaces, symbolize the absence left by those who are missing or have been lost. They serve as a powerful call to remembrance, justice, and solidarity.

Across the country, marches, vigils, and gatherings take place. Wearing red on this day is a simple yet meaningful gesture to show support and help raise awareness.

Initiatives to Better Understand and Take Action

In 2026, several initiatives aim to strengthen ongoing efforts. The Canada School of Public Service is hosting an event highlighting the role of data in better understanding the MMIWG2S+ crisis and supporting advocacy efforts.

Indigenous organizations play a key role in these initiatives by improving data collection and developing tools that reflect their realities and perspectives.

Toward a Red Dress Alert in Manitoba

One of the most significant developments is the proposed Red Dress Alert system in Manitoba, expected as early as June 2026. Inspired by the Amber Alert model, this system would quickly inform the public when an Indigenous woman or girl goes missing.

Developed following extensive consultations led by the Giganawenimaanaanig committee (“we take care of them”), this initiative emphasizes the importance of Indigenous cultural and spiritual practices to ensure trust and effectiveness.

A Commitment Aligned with SNJM Values

Red Dress Day deeply resonates with the values of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), particularly in promoting justice, human dignity, and solidarity.

Through dialogue, awareness activities, and education, the SNJM are committed to better understanding Indigenous realities and helping build respectful and supportive relationships.

Learn and Support

Everyone is encouraged to take meaningful action: learn more, participate in events, and support Indigenous-led initiatives.

Support Resources:

REDress project premieres in Winnipeg

Métis designer Jaime Black conceives her REDress project as an art installation in which she collects and hangs hundreds of empty red dresses. The idea is to represent the missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in Canada. This is how she evokes her work. “Through the REDress project, the spirits of missing and murdered women and girls stand here with us today, giving us courage, strength and clarity and guiding us on the path to REclaiming our sovereignty as Aboriginal women.”

The first public presentation of the REDress project is held at the University of Winnipeg. Hundreds of red dresses were sent in by the Canadian public. Since then, the project has become a permanent exhibit at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It has since become a permanent exhibition at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and is the subject of travelling exhibitions in many public places across the country.