Bruce County Marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

Today on Red Dress Day, and every day, the County solemnly recognizes the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people by raising awareness of this ongoing national tragedy.
red hand print

May 5 marks National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.  It is a day to solemnly recognize and remember the countless Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who have experienced race and gender-based violence. This day is also known as Red Dress Day, commemorated by wearing red or displaying red clothing to symbolize the bloodshed and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.  

At the County of Bruce, today is an opportunity to reflect, learn and build awareness about this crisis, a tragic reality impacting Indigenous people and communities in Canada.  

Today on Red Dress Day, and every day, the County solemnly recognizes the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people by raising awareness of this ongoing national tragedy. We hold in our thoughts the families and communities who carry the weight and live with the grief of losing loved ones. 

We recognize the direct connection between this solemn observance and the Truth and Reconciliation Commision's Call to Action #41 — which called for an inquiry into the victimization of Indigenous women and girls. Beyond the National Inquiry, true reconciliation requires ongoing commitment to addressing root causes of violence, supporting survivors and families, and creating systemic change.

  

Upcoming Events 

On May 9, in recognition of Red Dress Day, the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre welcomes artists Destiny Roote and Melissa Comyn for a discussion on the opening of the art installation Buffalo Woman, followed by a screening of the CBC’s The Fifth Estate documentary, A Sister’s Promise.  

This collaborative art project embodies the Truth and Reconciliation Commision's Call to Action #83, which calls upon the Canada Council for the Arts to establish a strategy for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to undertake collaborative projects and create spaces for meaningful dialogue and understanding. 

In addition, Ribbon Skirts, donated in partnership with the Saugeen First Nation Library, will return to all 17 Bruce County Library Branches for May and June. The Ribbon Skirt is an expression of Womanhood and strength in Indigenous culture. They can be adapted to represent different specific meanings depending on the colours chosen and the traditions of individual Indigenous groups. 

 

Ways to Participate 

  • Wear red on May 5 to show solidarity
  • Educate yourself about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people
  • Attend the May 9 event at the Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre
  • Support local Indigenous-led organizations working on this issue
  • Advocate for implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commision's Call to Action
  • Bruce County Library's Readers Advisory put together a collection of titles telling important stories. Visit our online catalogue to view and reserve these books for pick up at your local library branch. 

 

Learn More 

 

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