MMIWG2S
Red Dress Day
Red Dress Day 2025: Honouring and Supporting Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Transgender People
Red Dress Day is observed on May 5 as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). This day acts as a powerful reminder of the thousands of Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit individuals in Canada who have experienced race and gender-based violence. We wear red to honour mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, aunts, and diversly gendered relatives who have been lost or impacted in this crisis. We stand with families and communities who have been affected by the ongoing violence.
The origin of Red Dress Day began in 2010 as part of Métis artist , an art installation displayed across the University of Winnipeg campus. The original project involved hanging 100 red dresses to symbolize this crisis and call attention to the missing and murdered members of Indigenous communities across the country. What started as a grassroots movement has become a country-wide day of significance, now in its 15th year.
UVic is deeply committed to implementing core local, national and international responsibilities and calls to action that support the rights and sovereignties of Indigenous Peoples including , , the and the .
As part of this commitment, we have made it a priority to create safe spaces and a place of belonging for our Indigenous women and two-spirit people through language, law and cultural education and programs.
Events
Our Women Are Sacred Walk - May 5
We walk in solidarity with Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services Society, local organizations and the host Nations—Songhees Nation and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt—as they invite the community to their annual Our Women Are Sacred Walk on May 5, Red Dress Day.
This is a day to reflect, remember and honour the sacredness of Indigenous women, girls, 2-Spirit and trans people. It’s also a time to uplift one another and walk together in strength and unity.
We encourage our campus community to join us in showing up with care, respect and support. Please see the for full details, and consider joining this meaningful and important gathering.
Read
- by Tanya Talaga
- In My Own Moccasins: A Memoir of Resilience by Helen Knott
- and work to strengthen the demand for implementation of the Calls for Justice
- , an anthology to honour murdered and missing loved ones, which includes voices from the UVic and island community
- by Emmanuelle Walter
- by Angela Sterritt
- by David Robertson, a story of tragedy and beauty that illuminates the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. May, a young teenage girl, traverses city streets finding keepsakes that open a world of danger and fantasy.
- by Briana Jonnie, a young adult graphic novel that serves as a window into one of the unique dangers of being an Indigenous teen in Canada today. The text is derived from a letter written to the Winnipeg Chief of Police by fourteen-year-old Brianna Jonnie.
- by Jessica McDiarmid, a searing and revelatory account of the Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been found murdered along an isolated stretch of Highway 16 in northwestern British Columbia.
Listen
- on Spotify
Expand Your Knowledge
- , National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- -A CFJ Report Card (2024)
Support
Indigenous artists who are helping to raise awareness:
Watch
- (2020) Directed by Willow O'Feral and Brad Heck
- (2018 MMIWG Doc)
- (2006) by Christine Welsh (NFB)
- video by n'we jinan
- by Anton George
- by Amanda Rheaume feat. Chantal Kreviazuk
Wear
Wear red or hang a red dress to show your support for the families and communities of MMIWG2S and Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit and transgender people.
Donate
Donate to initiatives that support Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and transgender4 people in our community:
Resources and supports
The Hope for Wellness Helpline is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. Experienced and culturally competent counsellors are reachable by telephone and online ‘chat’ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1-855-242-3310
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society operates a 24-hour provincial Aboriginal crisis line for adults/Elders and youth.
Adults/Elders: 250-723-4050
Child/Youth: 250-723-2040
Toll Free Line: 1-800-588-8717
24-hour crisis line for survivors and family of survivors.
Toll-Free: 1-866-925-4419
FNHA partners with Indigenous Services Canada to offer a comprehensive mental health plan to First Nations in BC. The plan covers counselling services from a qualified mental health provider, including psychologists, clinical counsellors and social workers.
The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is founded on the collective goal to enhance, promote and foster the social, economic, cultural and political well-being of First Nations, Métis and Inuit women.
UVic resources
SupportConnect
SupportConnect is a free, confidential mental health support service for UVic students. You can connect with qualified counsellors, consultants and life coaches by phone or online 24/7. Video or in-person options are available.
Toll-free (calls from North America): 1-844-773-1427
International collect calls: 1-250-999-7621
Counselling for Indigenous students
Indigenous counsellors provide individual and group counselling that treats the heart, body, mind and spirit for Indigenous students. Sessions are flexible in length, you are seen on the spot for emergency appointments and, in general, you are able to meet with the Indigenous Counsellor without having to wait too long.
UVic Counselling Services
Located in the new Student Wellness Centre at 2300 McKenzie Avenue across the street from the CARSA gym. Counselling sessions for UVic students can be booked by calling 250-721-8563. Indigenous counsellors are available.
Connects students with mental health support when they need it. Through this program, all students currently registered in a BC post-secondary institution have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, available 24/7 via app, phone and web.
Other resources
24-hour crisis line service to Vancouver Island, the islands of the Georgia Strait, and the mainland communities between Powell River and Rivers Inlet, as defined by Island Health. It operates 365 days a year. Crisis workers provide short-term non-judgemental emotional, support, crisis intervention, information and resources.
Call 1-888-494-3888.