Red Dress Day
We remember. We speak their names. We commit to action.
Trigger warning: from Cultural Survival: This article discusses physical and sexual violence against Indigenous women. For immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. This is a national, toll-free 24/7 crisis call line providing support for anyone who requires emotional assistance related to missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirited people.
Adults/Elders (250-723-4050)
Child/Youth (250-723-2040)
Toll free (1-800-588-8717)
Red Dress Day, observed annually on May 5th, is a day to raise awareness and honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWGS2).
It is a day to wear red, inform oneself about the issue, and participate in local community events to commemorate the lives of those missing or murdered. The red color symbolizes a call for attention and a reminder of the MMIWGS2 community's struggles with violence and colonial issues.
Origins of Red Dress Day
In 2010, Métis artist Jaime Black Jaime Black originated the REDress Project by hanging red dresses in public spaces, such as trees and lamp posts, to draw attention to the disproportionate rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada. The color red was chosen for its significance in many Indigenous cultures, representing vitality and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms.
Red Dress Day is a solemn and significant day that brings attention to the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada.
The day is a time to remember and honor the lives lost and to support the grieving families and communities who often do not receive justice or closure.
Wearing red raises awareness not just in memory of those who have been taken, but in solidarity with the families and communities still seeking justice.
What can you do?
Stand with Indigenous voices demanding accountability, equity, and systemic change.
We remember. We speak their names. We commit to action.
#MMIW #NoMoreStolenSisters #MMIWG2S #JusticeForIndigenousWomen
RESOURCES & More Info
Best of the West: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
Best of the West https://w.westgov.org/news/article/best-of-the-west-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-persons-awareness-day-govs-sign-nuclear-mou-fentanyl-awareness-day-wildfire-fighting-fleet-gov-runs-marathon-green-steel-startup
National Archives: 2024 White House Proclamation announcing May 5 as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
Red Dress Day 2025- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/52964.html
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek Establishes May 5 as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
Palm Springs march honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
NOW Honors the National Day of Awareness for our Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR)
Mendocino Art Center’s exhibit highlights Indigenous women’s struggle.