On May 5, residents of Chetwynd gathered for Red Dress Day to remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+). The event, organized with the help of Tansi Friendship Centre, brought the community together for a day of commemoration, education and solidarity. Participants took part in a memorial walk, shared stories and discussed the importance of continuing to push for justice for Indigenous communities.
Throughout the event, red dresses were on display to symbolize the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people who have gone missing or been victims of violence across Canada. The empty red dresses represent both loss and the presence of those no longer with their families and communities. The empty red dresses are symbolic of loss and the presence of those who are no longer with their families and communities.
Every year on May 5th, Red Dress Day is observed across Canada. The movement was inspired by the REDress Project created by Indigenous artist Jaime Black in 2010. Through the art installation, red dresses were hung in public spaces to draw attention to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Red was chosen because it is believed by some Indigenous cultures to be the only color spirits can see, calling the spirits of loved ones back to their families and communities. The movement was inspired by the REDress Project created by Indigenous artist Jaime Black in 2010. As part of the art installation, red dresses were hung in public spaces to bring awareness to the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Red was chosen because some Indigenous cultures believe that spirits can only see this color and it calls the spirits of loved ones back to their families and communities.
Since then, May 5 has become a national day of awareness and remembrance, asking Canadians to learn about the issue, support families affected and continue the conversations about reconciliation, justice and community healing. Community members at the Chetwynd gathering emphasized the importance of continuing to educate and support after one day of recognition. Organizers thanked everyone who attended and encouraged residents to continue to advocate for awareness and change throughout the year.“People in the community in Chetwynd said it’s important that the education and support continues, not just for one day of recognition. Organizers thanked everyone who attended and urged residents to continue to advocate for awareness and change throughout the yea
People in the community in Chetwynd said it’s important that the education and support continues, not just for one day of recognition. Organizers thanked everyone who attended and urged residents to continue to advocate for awareness and change throughout the year.
Video Highlights:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17AyCXJ2G7/
https://youtu.be/MQbHp_8Vuig?si=VI40ZEGxRXHx90VO
Event Photos:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1LU9GHJER5/
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