Red Dress day is also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit People (MMIWG2S), marked every May 5. It’s a day to honour and remember the innocent women, girls and two spirit people who have been killed because of ongoing colonial gender-based violence.
For decades, Indigenous communities have witnessed alarmingly high rates of violence against women, girls and two spirit people. The disproportionate statistics of those missing and murdered are shameful. Statistics Canada reports that violence against First Nations, Inuit and Métis women, girls and two spirit people are 12 times higher than that of their non-Indigenous counterparts in Canada.
Gender-based violence continues to be an instrument of colonialism. These ongoing disappearances, violence, murders and unresolved cases is a national human rights crisis and cannot be ignored.
OPSEU/SEFPO honours the thousands of stolen sisters, two spirit and gender diverse persons from Indigenous communities and families. It is our responsibility as labour activists to raise awareness, advocate for change and amplify the calls to action by Indigenous leaders and their communities. We must hold our elected leaders and all levels of governments accountable to implement the full 231 Calls to Justice immediately. Walking the path of truth and reconciliation requires action. Together, we will continue to fight for accountability and demand justice.
