Events and walks are planned across Canada to honor and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people on Red Dress Day.
Red Dress Day began in 2010 when the REDress Project was initiated by Metis artist, Jamie Black. Since then, it has evolved into a nationwide movement.
The government recently announced $42.6 million in funding over the next three years to more than 34 community-based organizations that provide critical support to individuals and families impacted by interpersonal violence and abuse. On top of that, in the 2024–25 budget, the government announced $800,000 for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls+ Community Response Fund.
“Red Dress Day is an opportunity for us to honor those who are dearly missed by remembering their names, talking about their lives, and holding space for the people who love them,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross said in a press release.
Several events are planned in the province for the weekend, including the annual awareness walk in Saskatoon, which takes place Sunday at 2 p.m., starting and ending at the Vimy Memorial along the riverbank.
Prince Albert Grand Council will be hosting an awareness walk on Sunday starting at 12 p.m. at the Sisters in Spirit monument located on the riverbank in downtown Prince Albert.
In La Ronge, Piwapan Women’s Centre is hosting a MMIWG walk at 1 p.m., which will begin at the LLRIB Band office.
“As we mark Red Dress Day, we stand in support of the families of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit+ people and their communities,” Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs Don McMorris said in a press release.