Remembering So That Things Can Change
In Manitoba, October 4 holds special significance. Since 2017, the province has officially recognized this date as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Honouring and Awareness Day. Manitoba became the first Canadian province to formally recognize the day in legislation.
This recognition grew first and foremost out of the efforts of families, supported by Indigenous women’s organizations. For years, October 4 vigils have provided opportunities to remember missing and murdered daughters, mothers, sisters, grandmothers, partners, and friends, while calling for changes to end the violence.
From the Sisters in Spirit Movement to an Official Day
October 4 is associated with the Sisters in Spirit movement, originally led by the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Over the years, marches and vigils have transformed the day into a broad movement of remembrance, solidarity, and action.
In 2026, that spirit remains very much alive. In Winnipeg, the event Public Art, Public Action; Rupture and Redress will bring together artists KC Adams, Val Vint, and Jaime Black on October 4. Discussions and a public art walk will explore the connections between systemic violence, the environment, redress, and social change.
Two Dates, One Shared Commitment to Remember
October 4 also echoes Red Dress Day on May 5, observed across Canada. The two commemorations have distinct histories, but share the same cause: honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and people and raising awareness of the violence that continues today.
The red dress symbol originated with the REDress Project, created in Winnipeg in 2010 by Métis artist Jaime Black. Empty red dresses suspended in public spaces make visible the absence of those who are no longer here. October 4 extends this awareness by reminding us of the importance of taking action and responding to the 231 Calls for Justice of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Source : pexels-reyhan
A Cause That Also Resonates with the SNJM
For the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), this day holds particular significance. Present in Manitoba since the 19th century, the Sisters have developed relationships with various communities over the years and remain attentive to the realities and rights of Indigenous Peoples, in Manitoba and across Canada.
October 4 therefore invites us to listen to families, learn more, participate in commemorative events, and support Indigenous-led initiatives. Remembering is essential. Turning that remembrance into a force for change is equally important.