The following message includes topics that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experiences. It is recommended that we all check in on ourselves and access the resources available to us to ensure we are taking good care of our mental health. For mental health and self-care resources, visit here. 

The National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People, otherwise known as Red Dress Day, is observed on Tuesday, May 5.  

Red Dress Day began with Jaime Black’s REDress Project in 2010, in which she hung red dresses in public spaces to represent Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People and to honour their lives and their families.  

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S) released their Final Report in June 2019. The report detailed over 2,380 accounts from family members, survivors of violence, experts and Knowledge Keepers during two years of evidence gathering. Two volumes of the report conclude that persistent human and Indigenous rights violations are the root cause of Canada’s high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people. 

Sections 11.1 – 11.2 call on educators across all levels to provide awareness to the public about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People and about the issues and causes of violence they experience. In this digital age, we have the ability to spread the truth, but we are also at odds with misinformation borne from ignorance and racism. It is our duty to their families and communities to advocate for the truth of Canada’s complacency in crimes against Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people. 

In 2021, the Government of Canada released The Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People to develop an Implementation Plan in partnership with Indigenous people. This pathway is being designed to address the root issues that create circumstances in which Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit go missing or are murdered. 

Many Indigenous organizations have additional programs that support the National Inquiry and education on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People like the Southern Chiefs’ Organization Inc. MMIWG2S and Violence Prevention. 

RRC Polytech recently released a new Red Shirt at the Campus Store in partnership with Ininew artist Heather Endall, the proceeds of which contribute to the Minwastanikewin Truth and Reconciliation Aware for Indigenous students. Every year, two full-time Indigenous students receive $1,000 bursaries to help support their education journeys. Read more about the RRC Polytech 2026 Red Shirt on our blog and purchase yours today. 

The flags at Notre Dame Campus and PGI will be lowered to half-mast to pay respect to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People. 

We also acknowledge that this observance may be emotionally taxing, especially for Indigenous students and employees. Please remember that outside of formal events in which they agree to participate, Indigenous community members may decline discussing this observance because of its emotional and cultural impact.