What is Red Dress Day?Submitted by Faye Beauchamp
Red Dress Day (May 5) is a day to remember and raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual+ people (MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+).
An Ongoing Crisis
The crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual+ peoples is a human rights issue affecting Indigenous communities across Canada. Thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people have gone missing or been murdered, yet their cases often receive little attention from law enforcement, media, and policymakers. Addressing this crisis requires education, advocacy, and change. One powerful way to create awareness is through adult learning programs.
MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ is rooted in colonial violence, systemic racism, and the ongoing marginalization of Indigenous communities. Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls revealed that, "Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to be murdered or missing than any other women in Canada, and 16 times more likely than Caucasian women". The report concludes that the crisis amounts to genocide, driven by discrimination, economic instability, and legal barriers that prevent justice.
MMIW
According to Justice Canada, between 1980 and 2014, there were 6,849 police-reported female homicide cases in Canada. Among the total number of female victims, 16% were Indigenous women. Since 1991, the number of murdered non-Indigenous women has declined. In contrast, the number of murdered Indigenous women has remained relatively stable, thus accounting for an increasing proportion of Indigenous female homicide victims.
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) initiative received international attention in 2004 from Amnesty International.
In 2014, the Red Dress Project was Jaime Black's response to the MMIW. Jamie, a Métis artist, used red dresses in public spaces to depict the rising epidemic of MMIW.
The colour red was chosen because she learned that some Indigenous teachings believe red is the only colour spirits can see. The red dresses honour MMIW and remind us they are not forgotten.
MMIWG
In 2016, in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and the decades-long advocacy from families and survivors, the Government of Canada launched the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) people. The mandate of the National Inquiry required that it must:
- look into and report on the systemic causes of all forms of violence against Indigenous women and girls, including sexual violence
- examine the underlying social, economic, cultural, institutional, and historical causes that contribute to the ongoing violence and particular vulnerabilities of Indigenous women and girls in Canada
- report on existing institutional policies and practices to address violence, including those that are effective in reducing violence and increasing safety
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. The National Inquiry emphasized, "The steps to end and redress this genocide must be no less monumental than the combination of systems and actions that has worked to maintain colonial violence for generations."
The National Inquiry into MMIWG (2019) shared Calls for Justice, but many have not been fully acted upon. Adult education can help practitioners and learners reflect on their roles in creating safer, more respectful communities.
MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+
In 2021, the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People outlined the Government of Canada’s commitments to end violence against Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Asexual (2SLGBTQQIA+) people.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls called upon all orders of government to build a National Action Plan to address the interrelated systemic inequities for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The Federal Pathway is our contribution to the National Action Plan that will work to end the systemic racism, sexism, ableism, and economic inequality that has perpetuated violence against Indigenous women and girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people for far too long. It will guide current and future efforts by the Government of Canada to put in place concrete measures that will end this national tragedy. Together, with families, survivors, Indigenous partners, and provincial and territorial governments, we will continue to respond to the National Inquiry’s Final Report in a way that is lasting, impactful, and accountable.
- The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Our Responsibility
MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ is an ongoing issue in Turtle Island. It is not just history. As a result, many Indigenous learners may carry lived experiences of trauma, racism, and loss. This means educators need to approach this topic with care and responsibility.
Some ways to approach this topic include:
Creating safer spaces: Using trauma-informed practices. Letting learners step back if needed (Waterfall & Button, 2022).
Centre Indigenous voices: Using materials from Indigenous organizations and communities (NWAC).
Encouraging respectful learning: Listening, silence, and reflection are valid ways to participate.
Teaching learners about MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ is an integral part of the path towards Truth and Reconciliation by creating respectful learning spaces, supporting Indigenous voices, and helping learners move toward understanding.
References:
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019)
Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)
CBC News (2023) – Calls for Justice report card
Waterfall, H. P., & Button, E. (2022) – Trauma-informed Indigenous education
CTV News – Red Dress Project background