Red Dresses Evoke the Voices of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Today marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls #mmiwg. By wearing red, it is believed we bring their spirits back to us; and by remembering we make their stories come alive and give voice to their spirits. In their memory, we continue to call for action against the violence experienced by Indigenous women. Our communities must be a safe home to everyone.

What started out as an art installation #reddressproject to honour and draw attention to the missing and murdered Indigenous women on May 5 in 2010 has become an annual demonstration of community solidarity to remember the missing and murdered Indigenous women.

The Alberta Government states that “Indigenous women in Canada are three times more likely to be victims of violence than non-Indigenous women. In Alberta, 206 Indigenous women were murdered between 1980 and 2012 – accounting for 28% of all female homicide victims.”

Gabrielle Battiste, Edmonton City Council candidate for O-day’min Ward says:

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the women and girls who seek justice for their loved ones. But heartfelt sympathy and red dresses are not enough. We need action. We await the recommendations from the Alberta Joint Working Group on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

That Working Group was established a year ago to provide recommendations on co-developed actions to address the National Inquiry Final Report. Their report is expected this year.

Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada has a hotline set up, 1-844-413-6649, for anyone affected by the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.