Lakelands Public Health Honours Red Dress Day

(May 5, 2026) – Each year, May 5^th marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples (MMIWG), which is also known as Red Dress Day. According to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than non-Indigenous women in Canada.

“May 5^th, Red Dress Day, is a powerful reminder of the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people whose voices have been silenced but must never be forgotten,” said Liz Stone, Chair of the Indigenous Health Advisory Circle for Lakelands Public Health. “We all carry a responsibility to honour them by advocating for justice, safety, and systemic change within our cities and institutions. This day calls on all of us to confront ongoing violence and to stand in solidarity with families, communities, and future generations.”

This ongoing violence is a product of systemic racism, colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and poverty. Each red dress symbolizes a story, a voice, and a deep loss that continues to be felt across generations. Red dresses have been used to represent and honour the missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls since artist Jamie Black’s REDress Project in 2010. Lakelands Public Health is honouring this day – and the women, Two-Spirit people, and girls that it represents – by displaying red dresses throughout office spaces and promotion online.

For those interested in learning more, the following news stories are available:

• Justice for my Sister | APTN Investigates
• Missing & Murdered: Finding Cleo | CBC Listen
• TOPIC: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women | CBC News

Content Warning: 
Reading, listening to, or watching stories about MMIWG can bring up strong emotions. Please care for yourself if you need. If you need support, visit LakelandsPH.ca/MentalHealth to find local and virtual resources.

To learn more, visit www.mmiwg-ffada.ca.

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