May 5 is the National Day for Awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), also known as “Red Dress Day”

May 5 is the National Day for Awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), also known as “Red Dress Day”, coined by Métis artist Jamie Black as “an aesthetic response to this critical national issue”. Canadian history has contributed to the ongoing violence of Indigenous women and girls in Canada. As a result, violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people is disproportionately high. On May 5, we honour the lives of MMIWG by raising awareness of this ongoing national tragedy, and we hold in our thoughts the families and communities who live with the grief of losing loved ones. To raise awareness and pay tribute on this day, wear red, join the Movement is Medicine: Walk-or-Run virtual event on SIMPLYK (all federal employees can register for free), inform yourself about MMIWG, and find out what’s happening in your local community to commemorate this day.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing signs of distress don’t hesitate to reach out to services available 24/7/365:

Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous centered): 1-855-242-3310

Crisis Services Canada: (Canada-wide) 1-833-456-4566

Date modified:

2022-05-04