Members of the Nak’azdli Whut’en First Nation and the broader Fort St. James community gathered on Monday, May 5, 2025, to solemnly reflect and unite in observance of Red Dress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. This significant event drew attention to the ongoing crisis that affects Indigenous communities across Canada, emphasizing the urgent need for action and awareness.
Attendees included representatives from the Fireweed Collective Society and the RCMP from both Vancouver and Fort St. James. The Nak’azdli Whut’en community expressed that the participation of these groups highlighted their commitment to raising awareness and fostering deeper relationships with First Nations communities, including Yekooche First Nation, Tl’azt’en Nation, Binche Whut’en, and Takla Lake First Nation.
Meanwhile, in Smiths Falls, another ceremony was held at the Town Square beside Town Hall, where the Smiths Falls Police Service played a vital role in the event. Constable Sean Keogan emphasized the importance of the day, stating, "This event is important to the community, country, and even globally." Red dresses were hung around the region as a poignant symbol of the missing women and girls, ensuring that the cause remains in the public eye. The ceremony featured a smudging ceremony and guest speakers, creating a space for reflection and unity.
Red Dress Day coincides with the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people (MMIWG2S). On this day, Fallon Farinacci, who has a deeply personal connection to the issue, attended an event at Willowbank School of Restoration Arts in Queenston. Farinacci’s story is one of tragedy and resilience; at just nine years old, she lost her parents to a stalker in Manitoba. Her brothers also faced their own tragic fates, with her older brother committing suicide 11 years after the murders and her younger brother taking his life in 2023.
At Willowbank, Farinacci unveiled a teardrop cairn and displayed a dress she created for the Red Dress Exhibit. This dress is dedicated to her nine-year-old self and her father, Maurice Paul. The hem of the dress is dipped in soil from her hometown, St. Eustache, Manitoba, and it is adorned with pages from the 231 Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into MMIWG, which released its final report in 2019. Farinacci's experiences and advocacy work have made her a powerful voice for Indigenous justice and survivor support.
Michele-Elise Burnett, who curated the Red Dress exhibit, shared her vision for the project, stating, "These dresses are more than garments — they are vessels of spirit, grief, resilience, and truth. My hope is that as the exhibit continues to grow and travel across Turtle Island, beginning in May 2026 at Black Creek Pioneer Village, more families will feel called to share their stories." The exhibit is designed to honor the lives of those lost and raise awareness about the MMIWG2S+ crisis in Canada.
As the ceremonies unfolded, a crowd of over 50 people gathered outside Willowbank, encircling the cairn and a sacred fire tended by Fred Bowering. The fire serves as a tribute to the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Bowering explained the significance of the fire, noting that traditional beliefs discourage taking photographs of it, as it represents the spirit of those who have died. He encouraged participants to turn to the east for enlightenment and clarity, reinforcing the importance of coming together to acknowledge the national day of remembrance.
Marie-Louise Bowering, who spoke about the cairn initiative, highlighted its importance to the community, stating, "This is First Nations territory and community. This is where the gathering place was, this is where we lived, we grew, we gardened, and we worked in harmony." The 4500-kilogram cairn, crafted by dry stone wall master craftsman Dean McLellan, is made from limestone and slate, and it incorporates items placed by Indigenous community members as a testament to their collective grief and resilience.
On the political front, members of the Alberta legislature marked Red Dress Day by emphasizing the ongoing crisis that exposes Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit-plus persons to unacceptable risks. Jacqueline Lovely, the UCP member for Camrose, referred to Red Dress Day as a “solemn reminder and... a collective call to action.” This statement underscores the need for continued advocacy and support for Indigenous communities facing systemic violence and marginalization.
The Red Dress Day observances across Canada serve as a poignant reminder of the unresolved issues surrounding the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and girls. By gathering in solidarity, communities aim to honor the memories of those lost while advocating for a future where Indigenous lives are valued and protected. As the conversations around these events continue to grow, the hope is that more people will join the movement to raise awareness and push for meaningful change.
In conclusion, Red Dress Day not only commemorates those who have been lost but also amplifies the voices of survivors and advocates like Fallon Farinacci, who courageously share their stories to inspire action and healing. The collective efforts of communities across Canada highlight the urgent need for awareness and justice in the ongoing fight against violence towards Indigenous peoples.
