May 5th 2026 marks the National Day of Awareness and remembrance for the missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people, now known as Red Dress Day. Red Dress Day is observed annually on May 5th. Observances are inspired by Metis artist Jaime Black’s REDress Project, an installation art project launched in 2010 to raise awareness of this critical national issue.
Many communities across Canada commemorate Red Dress Day through a variety of activities to honor the memory of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. These can include hanging red dresses in public places, organizing vigils or peaceful marches, participating in fundraising events, hosting educational events, and much more.
The red dress symbolizes the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada. Many observe this day to remember and pay respect to those who are no longer with us, as well as to raise awareness of the ongoing issues of gender-based violence.
The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls released a Final Report with testimonies from family members and survivors of violence. The Final Report, titled ‘Reclaiming Power and Place’ reveals that ‘persistent and deliberate human and Indigenous rights violations and abuses are the root cause behind Canada’s staggering rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people.’ Read more here for testimonies illustrating the impacts of gender-based violence on health and safety.
Gender-based violence, discrimination and colonialism have detrimental impacts on healthcare outcomes, and lead to Indigenous health disparities. Read this BC Medical Journal article by Samantha Gibbon for more information about the healthcare impacts of gender-based violence and colonialism, and recommendations that BC Physicians can adopt to help make health care safer for Indigenous patients.
Samantha Gibbon, BC Medical Journal: “Treating families and victims of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls tragedies: Recommendations for physicians” https://bcmj.org/mds-be/treating-families-and-victims-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-girls-tragedies
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Reclaiming Power and Place: The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Vol 1a. 2019. https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Final_Report_Vol_1a-1.pdf#page=418