Disclaimer: The following topics can stir strong emotions.
If you are affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people and need immediate emotional assistance, call 1-844-413-6649. You can also access long-term health support services such as mental health counselling, community-based emotional support and cultural services and some travel costs to see Elders and traditional healers.
Additional resources can be found under Support resources below.
May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+), also known as Red Dress Day. On this day, in deep solidarity, we honour the memory of missing and murdered Métis, First Nations and Inuit women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, with families, loved ones, and communities, and share Truths and advocate for change with respect, dignity, and sensitivity.
Indigenous women are 6.5 times more likely than non-Indigenous women to be victims of violence. Indigenous women make up 16% of all female homicide victims, and 11% of missing women, yet Indigenous people make up only 4.3% of the population of Canada.*
Indigenous women are also more likely to experience physical and sexual assault than non-Indigenous women. 56% of Indigenous women have suffered physical assault, and 46% have experienced sexual assault. By comparison, about one-third of non-Indigenous women have suffered these assaults in their lifetimes.*
This crisis is a result of colonial and systemic violence and is a national genocide. Indigenous women, children, and 2S+ Peoples are sacred; their safety must be prioritized.
About National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+
National Day of Awareness for MMIWG2S+ is led by Indigenous women, families, and communities who have turned grief into advocacy, demanding truth, accountability, and justice.
2SLGBTQQIA+ Indigenous Peoples face disproportionate levels of violence due to intersecting systems of oppression: colonialism, racism, transphobia, and homophobia. The lived experiences of Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and queer Indigenous people reflect overlapping layers of discrimination and marginalization that must be named and addressed.
The red dress has become a symbol of presence and absence. It calls attention to the women, girls, and 2S+ people who should still be with us.
Across the country, we see red dresses hanging in trees, on fences, and in windows as silent, but powerful witnesses to this national crisis.
Taking action
Honouring MMIWG2S+ includes uplifting the voices and stories of women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, whose truths are often overlooked in broader conversations about gender-based violence.
We must listen to and learn from 2SLGBTQQIA+ Indigenous Peoples whose identities are targeted by overlapping systems of violence and erasure. Learn more about intersections of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People and here.
Here are some ways to get involved:
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Join local events: Attend a vigil, walk in solidarity, participate in a community gathering, or create a sacred space for reflection
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Engage online: Use your voice on social media to amplify awareness. Share facts, stories, and resources using hashtags like:
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#MMIWG2S+
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#RedDressDay
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#NoMoreStolenSisters
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Keep momentum going: Take part in the Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 15, a day of ceremony and commitment to ending gender-based violence
Learning resources and reports
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls published its Final Report in 2019, including 231 Calls for Justice intended to address the root causes that sustain violence against First Nations, Inuit, and Métis women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people.
Calls for Justice
Calls for Justice 15.1 to 15.8 are directed to all Canadians, emphasizing that every person has a role in ending the ongoing violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples.
These Calls urge Canadians to learn the true history and ongoing impacts of colonialism, challenge racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia, and support Indigenous-led healing and restoration of culture, language, and governance. They call on individuals to listen to and believe survivors, speak out against injustice, practice meaningful allyship, and hold governments accountable for implementing the Calls.
At their core, these actions are about valuing the sacredness and dignity of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples, and working together to build a safer, more just society for all.
Additional resources
- National Action Plan
- Federal Pathway Annual Progress Report
- The REDress Project – Nelson Museum Archives & Gallery
- Butterflies in Spirit: honouring lost women through dance | CBC Radio
- Women’s Memorial Marches Across Canada | Moose Hide Campaign
- Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women & Girls -Assembly of First Nations
- Ending gender-based violence against Indigenous peoples – Canada.ca
Support resources
No one should have to carry grief or trauma alone. Whether you’re a Survivor, family member, or ally, support is available.
There are many Indigenous-led and culturally safe mental health services in B.C. offering connection, counselling, ceremony, and peer support. Get Help – Moose Hide Campaign
CLBC adds Territorial Acknowledgement to public website
In alignment with CLBC’s goal to strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners, CLBC’s Territorial Acknowledgement is now found at the bottom of the homepage of CommunityLivingBC.ca.
*Source: Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women & Girls – Assembly of First Nations