This Sunday, May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S) in Canada and the United States. In recent years, this has become known as Red Dress Day.
Red Dress Day originated from artist Jaime Black’s installation of red dresses. These garments serve as a visual tribute, honoring the spirits of Indigenous women who have been lost to violence. While the most impactful way to observe this day is by engaging with the MMIWG Inquiry report recommendations and implementing them into our work, wearing red or a red dress pin on May 5 is a simple yet powerful gesture of support. Additionally, many Indigenous communities hold solemn ceremonies of grieving and remembrance for those who have been tragically lost.
Join Families of Sisters in Spirit (FSIS) for a gathering at Strathcona Park on Sunday, May 5th, starting at 11:00. This family-friendly event, commemorating Red Dress Day, aims to foster community spirit while addressing the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+).
Located on the edge of Sandy Hill along the Rideau River, Strathcona Park offers a setting accessible by transit and offering two hours of free visitor parking. The park’s address is 95 Range Rd., Ottawa
Expect food and engaging activities for all ages as we support local families and community members impacted by these issues. This event is made possible through the support of Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G), the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW), and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO).
Event: Unifying Hearts: A Community Feast Honoring MMIWG2S+ Voices, hosted by Families of Sisters in Spirit
Date: Sunday, May 5
Time: 11 am to 2 pm
Location: Strathcona Park, 25 Range Road, Ottawa
More information: Ottawa Community MMIWG2S+ Feast and Giveaway
