In honour of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2Spirit Persons, Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle is holding a special event.
On Monday, a striking Red Dress Mixed Media Art Installation will be on display at the Lower Level of Peterborough Square from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
Community members are invited to drop by to view the artwork, sign the guest book, and participate in a Collaborative Action piece.
Red Dress Day, an annual event dedicated to honouring missing and murdered Indigenous women, has its origins deeply rooted in the powerful art project of Canadian Métis artist Jaime Black.
In 2010, Black launched the “REDress Project,” a poignant visual representation of the staggering number of Indigenous women who have gone missing or been murdered across Canada. By hanging red dresses in public spaces, from trees to lamp posts, Black created a striking contrast against the landscape, symbolizing the absence of these women and the ongoing struggle for justice.
What began as an art installation quickly evolved into a movement as Indigenous Peoples, allies, and advocates across Canada and beyond embraced the symbolic red dress as a rallying cry for awareness and action. The red dress became a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the urgent need for justice.
Recognized each year on May 5th, Red Dress Day serves as a solemn occasion for people to come together to honour the memories of those who have been lost and to demand accountability and action. It is a day of reflection, mourning, and a call to action to address the systemic issues that contribute to the violence against Indigenous women.
The red dress has become a powerful symbol of solidarity, resilience, and hope in the ongoing struggle for justice and reconciliation. As Red Dress Day continues to grow in prominence, it serves as a reminder that the fight for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women must remain a priority for all Canadians.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
