What is Red Dress Day (MMIWG2S+)? How to Support
May 5 is recognized as Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). It is a day to honour and remember the lives of those who have been lost to violence, and to stand in solidarity with the families and communities who continue to seek justice, healing, and change.
Image: May 5th Event 2025 (NAFC Staff Members)
The origins of Red Dress Day trace back to 2010, when Mรฉtis artist Jaime Black (https://www.jaimeblackartist.com/) created the REDress Project – an art installation using empty red dresses to represent Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered. Displayed in public spaces, these dresses served as a powerful visual reminder of absence, loss, and the ongoing crisis facing Indigenous communities.
Since then, Red Dress Day has grown into an internationally recognized movement. Wearing red on May 5 has become a way to honour those impacted, raise awareness, and support the Calls to Justice from the 2019 National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Despite increased awareness, the reality remains deeply concerning. Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people continue to face disproportionately high rates of violence, with many cases remaining unsolved. This ongoing crisis is rooted in the lasting impacts of colonization, as well as systemic racism and inequity. Red Dress Day is a reminder of the importance of continued advocacy, education, and action.
How You Can Support Red Dress Day
There are many meaningful ways to take part in Red Dress Day and show your support:
- Wear red on May 5 to honour and remember MMIWG2S+
- Join the community walk downtown and stand in solidarity with others
- Purchase a Red Dress shirt and help raise awareness while supporting local programming
- Visit A&W (All three Fort McMurray locations) – $1 from every Teen Burger sold will go directly toward our community programs and services
- Take time to learn and reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of MMIWG2S+
- Attend other local events happening throughout the community
As an organization, we will be participating in the downtown walk, wearing red, and connecting with community members throughout the day. Our Red Dress shirts will also be available for purchase at all A&W Fort McMurray locations from 2-6pm.
Want to grab your shirt ahead of time?
Submit an order form here, or stop by our office at 8310 Manning Avenue during business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm – excluding stats). Also available in black!
This day is about more than awareness, it is about remembering lives, uplifting voices, and committing to ongoing change. We encourage everyone to take part in a way that feels meaningful to them.
