Today (May 5) is Red Dress Day across the country.
It is a national day of awareness and remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ (MMIWG2S) people.
Members of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society (442 Leon Avenue) and others will be walking to the 琉璃神社 Law Courts on Water Street starting at 10:30 a.m.
To raise awareness and pay tribute on this day, individuals are encouraged to wear red, inform themselves about MMIWG2S, and participate in local community events.
"The red dress, inspired by the work of M茅tis artist Jaime Black, is a symbol of loss for the women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people who have been murdered or are missing," Christine Boyle, B.C. Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, and Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said in a joint statement. "Red Dress Day is a time of mourning to acknowledge the heartache of the family and friends of those taken too soon and a day to reinforce the need to end violence against Indigenous people.
According to Canadian Institutes of Health Research, more than six in ten Indigenous women have experienced physical or sexual assault in their lifetime.
"It's crucial that we persist in addressing the underlying issues of violence, such as colonialism, racism, and misogyny," the statement added. "To the Indigenous people and families who have faced harm, loss and grief, please know that we and so many others commit to being a voice in government who will continue to advocate for an end to gender-based violence and harm against Indigenous people."
The federal government also issued a statement.
"On Red Dress Day, we honour every First Nations, Inuit, and M茅tis woman, girl, and 2SLGBTQI+ person who has gone missing or been murdered in Canada. We recognize the strength and courage of families, survivors, and communities who continue to advocate for the dignity and justice of their loved ones."
If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of distress, reach out to these services:
- (Indigenous centered): 1-855-242-3310
- : (Canada-wide) 9-8-8
- 1-844-413-6649
