As the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse people continues to resonate across Canada, communities are uniting to raise awareness and push for action. On May 5, 2025, known as Red Dress Day, individuals across the country hung crimson garments in public spaces as a haunting reminder of those who have disappeared. This year, the Columbia River Métis Nation hosted a ceremony that underscored the ongoing crisis, where participants stood in solidarity and reflected on the impact of these losses.
Janet Crandall, a local journalist and advocate, shared her personal connection to the issue, stating, "This isn’t a moment — it’s a movement." Crandall, who has written about Red Dress Day in the past, expressed her deep concern about the continued violence against Indigenous women and the need for collective action. "We need to be haunted," she emphasized, urging the community to remember that these women are not just statistics; they are loved ones who have left behind families and friends.
The Red Dress Day initiative aims to not only honor the memory of those lost but also to ignite a movement that demands change. Alaya McIvor, a Community Culture Animator involved in the Red Dress Alert initiative in Manitoba, echoed this sentiment during an interview with Alberta Native News. "The broader community, coast-to-coast, already knows that the targeting of MMIWG2S+ epidemic is a nationwide crisis, but people need to know that they also have the ability to contribute to saving lives," she said.
On the same day, McIvor and her colleague Denise Cook discussed their work on the Red Dress Alert initiative, which aims to create a standardized system for reporting missing Indigenous individuals. The initiative has already conducted 21 community engagement sessions in both Northern and Southern Manitoba, gathering insights from families affected by this crisis. "We need for the families impacted by the crisis, who might still be searching for loved ones, to feel heard and supported," Cook remarked.
As the Red Dress Alert prepares to launch in Fall 2025, the team is actively seeking feedback from communities across Canada to ensure their approach meets the needs of those most vulnerable. "The violence against Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people has to come to an end," stated Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations. His comments reflect a growing recognition among government officials of the urgency surrounding this issue.
Crandall's reflections on Red Dress Day highlight the personal connections many have to this crisis. She poignantly noted how easy it is to treat the issue as someone else’s problem, but emphasized that it affects everyone. "Those empty dresses are not just symbols. They are stories. And those stories deserve to be told," she stated, encouraging people to engage with the movement and share their experiences.
In addition to the symbolic gestures of Red Dress Day, the Red Dress Alert initiative is working to bridge gaps in communication between community members and law enforcement. "Our next step is to begin connecting with law enforcement. We first wanted to listen to the voices and lived experiences of those living this reality," Cook explained. By centering the experiences of those impacted by the crisis, the initiative aims to create a more effective response system.
As part of their outreach efforts, the Red Dress Alert team is inviting the public to participate in a survey that assesses how the initiative can best serve communities. The survey can be accessed online, and McIvor is hopeful that it will foster greater engagement and collaboration. "Everyone who has the opportunity to keep our community safe should participate actively in doing that," she urged.
Community involvement is crucial for the success of the Red Dress Alert initiative. The team believes that by fostering conversations around awareness and reporting, they can empower individuals to take action when they encounter situations involving missing persons. McIvor highlighted the importance of these discussions, stating, "This should be a topic of conversation around kitchen tables, and everyone should know what to do if they need to report."
The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Crisis Line, available 24/7, serves as a vital resource for those seeking support. With the toll-free number 1-844-413-6649, individuals can access mental health services and trauma resources. This line is a crucial part of the broader effort to support families and communities affected by this crisis.
As we reflect on Red Dress Day and the ongoing movement for justice, it is clear that the fight against violence and discrimination towards Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals is far from over. The collective efforts of communities, advocates, and government officials are essential in ensuring that no one is forgotten and that action is taken to protect those who are most vulnerable.
In a world where every voice matters, it is vital for individuals to stand up, speak out, and support initiatives aimed at addressing these pressing issues. As Crandall aptly put it, showing up sends a powerful message: "you mattered. You still matter. You will not be forgotten." The call to action is clear; it is time for everyone to join in this movement and work together to create a safer future for all.
