by AP | Apr 27, 2026 | Culture, Events
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 Métis 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.
by AP | Apr 19, 2026 | Highlights, Volunteering
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at Nistawoyou Friendship Centre. They help deliver programs, support community events, and create welcoming spaces where people of all ages can connect, learn, and grow. Whether it’s assisting with youth activities, supporting elders programs, helping at community meals, or lending a hand at cultural events, every volunteer plays a role in strengthening our community.
Over the past year, more than 150 volunteers have contributed their time and energy, helping us create meaningful impact through over 1,400 volunteer hours. That impact goes far beyond numbers; it’s felt in the relationships built, the confidence gained, and the sense of belonging that grows with every shared experience.
We spoke with Trace, one of our newer volunteers, about his journey over the past year, what keeps him coming back, and what volunteering at Nistawoyou means to him.
Q&A with Trace
How long have you been volunteering with us, and what first drew you in?
I first started volunteering at NAFC around this time last year at the suggestion of my old coworker and friend Jen From (NAFC’s lovely Volunteer/Youth Coordinator) as she was aware of how much I was wanting to get back into volunteer work.
What does volunteering at Nistawoyou mean to you personally? What keeps you coming back?
It absolutely lives up to its name because to me it means friendship. I have built such amazing relationships with everyone that I have met here over the past year and I always look forward to seeing my friends again as we grow together.
What programs or activities have you been involved in/helped with?
I’ve been to a wide variety of programs at this point from kids camps to our municipalities homeless connect event, beading workshops and so much more. Though I do have to say that my most cherished ones are the Elders & Seniors Supper and Dot Painting classes taught by the wonderful Arlene [Desjarlais-Wallace], these events will almost always have me in attendance as they are just too great to miss.
What’s something small that made a big impact on you while volunteering?
The community support. Everyone here has such a good heart and they are always so quick to cheer you on. You walk in and you’re part of a large caring family that’s just so happy to see you.
Have you picked up any unexpected skills while volunteering?
As silly as this may sound for an unexpected skill, I never knew how to play Bingo before this!
How has volunteering here (and in general) impacted your life?
It’s really helped with my self-confidence in ways I never expected it would. NAFC is such a positive environment full of members and staff who are so quick to know the good in you and push you into reaching new goals or be simply the lovely you.
Why do you think organizations like Nistawoyou are important in our community?
I believe that places like NAFC are important because community is, and will always be, medicine for the heart and for the soul. Similar to organizations like the Wood Buffalo Regional Library, Justin Slade Youth Foundation, and so many more amazing organizations, NAFC acts as an essential community hub filled with resources, human connections, cultural celebration. Without places like these our community would simply not thrive.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Nistawoyou?
That everyone is welcome! Regardless of your age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity – this is a place for everyone and there is always something for you here. Whether it’s a warm coffee/meal and a chat, Family Nights with Knowledge Keeper Claire, cultural lessons of all kinds, kids events and crafting galore!
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with us?
You’re going to love it, come join us for dinner!!
Can you share a little about yourself (hobbies, interests, background)?
I’m a 26 year old fiber artist born and raised in Fort McMurray. I have three sisters that I adore, and the best dad and step-mom a guy could ask for. I can be found spending my free time with family/friends, working on my artsy projects (ranging from crochet and sewing to customizing my goth wardrobe) and relaxing at home with my two disabled cats.
What’s your go-to comfort activity after a volunteer shift?
When the weather is warm I always enjoy a long walk home with either a coffee trip or stopping by Caribou Flowers to get myself a plant, in the colder months I tend to go straight home to cuddle with my movie buddy (my cat Hiccup) and work on some crochet projects.
If you could give every new volunteer one “starter pack,” what would be in it?
Some good shoes.
If volunteering had a superpower, what would yours be?
The power of friendship 100%.
Emoji that describes your volunteer experience:
🥰
GIF that matches your energy while volunteering:
https://share.google/0lnkG011v9w2ajF5m
One word your friends would use to describe you:
Genuine
Get Involved
Volunteering at Nistawoyou Friendship Centre is a chance to be part of something meaningful – whether you’re supporting programs, helping at events, or simply showing up to lend a hand. Opportunities include working with youth and families, supporting elders programs and community meals, assisting with cultural programming, and helping with seasonal events and outreach.
Find more information on volunteering here.
Our Centre offers a wide range of programs and services for youth, elders, families, adults, and vulnerable individuals, rooted in traditional values and culture. Through strong partnerships with local organizations and deep connections within both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, we continue to grow alongside the people we serve.
If you’ve been thinking about volunteering, this is your invitation. As Trace puts it, you’re going to love it – and there’s always a place for you here!
by nistawoyou1 | Jul 19, 2022 | Highlights
Fort McMurray, AB – The Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre (NAFC) is proud to announce the launch of Tending Our Hearts Fire – a pilot project funded by the Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association to support Missing or Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls & Two-Spirit+ peoples initiatives. The funding will be used to support Indigenous women & girls, as well as families that have missing or murdered loved ones, on their healing journeys.
“Women have always been the hearts of our communities,” said Jes Croucher of Pawâmiw Creative, advisor to the program. “The Cree word for fire is iskotew but what it actually translates to a woman’s heart. Our old people say that we all have a fire within us, and that it’s our responsibility to tend to that fire. That is what we aim to support with this program.”
Tending Our Hearts Fire will focus on building consistent and sustainable supports for families who have been impacted by Missing or Murdered family members, as well as prevention measures for Indigenous women and girls.
“We are grateful to be one of three Alberta friendship centers to receive funding to build a framework to address support gaps in the community,” said Stacy Gillingham, NAFC Executive Director. “There is an urgent need for Missing or Murdered-specific resources and we are thankful we can contribute to the community as it grows its support network.”
The program will host monthly support circles with international MMIP advocate Stephanie Harpe for families impacted by Missing or Murdered loved ones, as well as support and prevention workshops that will include safety and cultural identity. Culture will be the foundation of Tending Our Hearts Fire to ensure healing work is grounded in Indigenous ways of being.
The program aims to connect with key community organizations and grassroots advocates to build a resource network to support Indigenous women & girls and families impacted including search and rescue, court system navigation, prevention, mental health, and cultural supports. Information collected will be added to a resource database to be shared with organizations, families, and communities in times of need.
The NAFC calls upon the community to register their contact and resource information by emailing Georgina Sanderson at reception@nistawoyouafc.com or by calling 780-743-8555.
by Stacy Gillingham | Jul 8, 2022 | Highlights
As part of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s Mural Mentorship Program, the Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre is organizing an opportunity for local Indigenous youth to work with Edmonton artist AJA Louden to complete a mural at the Borealis Skate Park in August.
Louden is a visual artist of Jamaican-Canadian heritage based in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Treaty 6, Edmonton, Alberta) and works primarily as a muralist, and also founded and directs the Aerosol Academy series, teaching people of all ages about art-making and art history through the lens of graffiti and street art. To learn more about the artist, visit www.ajalouden.com.
How Indigenous Youth Can Take Part:
In order to attend the Borealis Skate Park Mural development, youth need to attend the Mural Academy workshop on July 31. This is a two-hour workshop with AJA Louden to teach participants how to safely use aerosols and other tools on temporary walls. The workshops start with a 30-minute lecture, and safety instructions and are followed by a technique and tool demonstration. All materials will be provided. Limited to Ages 12+. Youth will also attend a two-hour program to determine the mural concept on August 5.
REGISTER FOR THE MURAL ACADEMY + BOREALIS SKATE PARK
Contact the Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre’s Students Coordinator at studentsupport@nistawoyouafc.com to register for both. Please note: There are 15 spots available.
IMPORTANT DATES AND LOCATIONS:
Mural Academy: July 31
Time: 4 PM to 6 PM
Location: Municipal Parking Lot, in front of the Bridgeport Inn (Biggs Ave. & Morrison St.)
Mural Concept Development: August 5
Time: 4 PM to 6 PM
Location: Unifor Local 707A (10019 MacDonald Avenue)
Borealis Skate Park Mural Installation: August 6 & 7
Time: 11 AM to 6 PM
Location: Borealis Skate Park
PROGRAM COLLABORATION: The Mural Mentorship Program is proudly presented by Public Art Wood Buffalo in partnership with the Nistawoyou Association Friendship Centre and the Wood Buffalo Integrated Youth Network. Click here to read the full news release online.
