The following message includes content that may trigger strong emotions, especially for those with lived experience. 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. Access mental health and self-care resources here.

This Sunday, October 4, is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S+).

This day comes just four days after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, when we remember and honour the Survivors of Residential Schools and those that never returned home.

The movement for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S+) highlights the ongoing consequences of colonialism, systemic racism, and discrimination in our communities. It brings attention to the circumstances that place Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people at disproportionate risks of violence, disappearance, and loss.

The Day of Action for MMIWG2S+ is a call to advocate for justice, accountability, and lasting change. It affirms that Indigenous women, girls, and Two Spirit people deserve the same safety, dignity, and opportunities to thrive as all people.

In 2019, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls published the final report, Reclaiming Power and Place, which asserts 231 Calls to Justice that address issues which accumulate into dangerous situations. The Final Report draws on the testimonies of over 2,380 family members, survivors of violence, experts, and Knowledge Keepers collected through two years of nationwide hearings and evidence gathering.

Call to Justice 11.1 calls on educational institutions to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S+), including the systemic and historical factors that contribute to violence against Indigenous Peoples. It stresses the importance of Indigenous-led education that reflects Indigenous histories, perspectives, laws, and ways of knowing. Because of the violence Indigenous women, girls and Two Spirit people face and the subsequent lack of response from the justice system, it is our responsibility as a post-secondary institution to raise awareness of the historical precedents and patterns that have persisted through our nation’s history.

This past year, RRC Polytech and the Campus Store partnered with Ininew artist Heather Endall to create the 2026 Red Shirt design for MMIWG2S, the proceeds of which go to the Mínwastánikéwin Truth and Reconciliation Award for Indigenous students. The bursary, valued at $1,000, aims to alleviate some financial stress for Indigenous students. The shirts are produced and ordered through Red Rebel Armour, owned and operated by RRC Polytech alum Sean Rayland-Boubar.

This October 4, we encourage you to view resources available through the Library, like Felicia Solomon’s Story, and Tina Fontaine: A Murdered Girl’s Legacy from CBC Curio; and films through the National Film Board like Finding Dawn, The Red Dress, and this river.

The Government of Canada’s National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls always has free resources available, including direct access to the Final Report itself.

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 and The Highway of Tears Initiative.

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.

The flags on campus have been lowered in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and will remain lowered through the weekend to observe the National Day of Action for MMIWG2S+.