In Memory of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S)
On Sunday, May 5th, Red Dress Day was acknowledged by Rev. Jamie and Janice Webster during our Sunday morning service. On this day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People, we honour the memory of MMIWGS2S individuals who have gone missing or have been found murdered in communities across Canada. Many cases remain unresolved.
Metis artist Jamie Black launched the REDress Project in 2010, strategically displaying hundreds of red dresses in public spaces to symbolize the absence of Indigenous women and girls who have gone missing or been murdered, aiming to raise awareness about this pressing issue.
The historic and current rate of violence against Indigenous women and girls is a national tragedy that we cannot ignore and urgent action is required to address the root causes of violence against Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people. All people deserve to live in safety, free of violence and abuse. We all can do our part by taking action; e.g., check out the website of the National Inquiry https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/, read through their 231 Calls for Justice, consider those focused on what individuals can do (15.1-15.8, Calls for All Canadians). 15.7 is a particularly powerful Call for Justice:
Create time and space for relationships based on respect as human beings, supporting and embracing differences with kindness, love, and respect. Learn about Indigenous principles of relationship specific to those Nations or communities in your local area and work, and put them into practice in all of your relationships with Indigenous Peoples.