May 5th is recognized across Canada and the United States as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people (often abbreviated as MMIWG2S or MMIWG). This day, also known as Red Dress Day, is a powerful call to remember and honour the thousands of Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people who have gone missing or been murdered, and to stand in solidarity with their families and communities in the ongoing pursuit of justice and change.

Why May 5th?

The origins of this day are both deeply personal and broadly political. In the United States, a congressional resolution designated May 5th as a National Day of Awareness in memory of Hanna Harris, a Northern Cheyenne woman who was murdered in 2013. In Canada, Métis artist Jaime Black’s 2010 REDress Project-an art installation of empty red dresses-brought national attention to the staggering number of missing and murdered Indigenous women and inspired the symbolism and activism of Red Dress Day. Over the years, May 5th has become a day for marches, vigils, art installations, and educational events across North America.

Why Is This Day So Important?

The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people is rooted in the ongoing impacts of colonization, systemic racism, and gender-based violence. Indigenous women and girls are 12 times more likely to go missing or be murdered than non-Indigenous women in Canada, and face murder rates up to 10 times higher than the national average in the United States. These staggering statistics reflect a broader pattern of violence, neglect, and injustice that has persisted for generations.

The effects of this crisis ripple through families and communities, causing deep and lasting trauma. Many families have faced indifference or discrimination from law enforcement and justice systems, with their loved ones’ cases often going unsolved or uninvestigated. The 2019 National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls in Canada called this crisis a genocide, and issued 231 Calls for Justice to address the root causes and support healing and safety for Indigenous people.

Red Dress Day is important because it raises awareness, demands accountability, and honours the lives and legacies of those lost. It is a day to listen to stories, support survivors, and commit to action-whether by wearing red, participating in community events, or educating ourselves and others about the ongoing crisis. It is also a time to reflect on the urgent need for systemic change to ensure safety, justice, and respect for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.

If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, support is available:

• Hope for Wellness Help Line (Indigenous-centered): 1-855-242-3310
• Crisis Services Canada: 9-8-8
• National Family and Survivors Circle: 1-844-413-66491

On May 5th, and every day, let us honour the strength and resilience of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people, and work together to end this crisis. Wear red, raise your voice, and stand in solidarity for justice and healing.