May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirited People (MMIWG2S+). Also known as Red Dress Day, the day honours the lives of thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse people in Canada. It is a time to encourage learning and building awareness to end violence against Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender diverse people.
Missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people is not just a societal issue. It has significant implications for health care. Health care providers and institutions must acknowledge the MMIWG2S+ crisis and work towards creating a culturally safe and respectful health care system that addresses the unique needs of Indigenous peoples.
Call to Action 41 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report called on the federal government of Canada to begin an inquiry into the numerous cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Starting in 2016, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls held 15 community hearings, and spoke with 2,386 people. A Final Report was released in June 2019 which includes 231 Calls for Justice that “represent important ways to end the genocide and to transform systemic and societal values that have worked to maintain colonial violence” (Final Report, volume 1B, p. 168).
In September 2025, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre launched the second annual response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. The report, entitled Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action Year Two, particularly focused on Call to Action #24, ensuring that all professional staff complete cultural safety training, thereby deepening our understanding and respect for Indigenous culture.
To Learn More:
- https://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/academic-integrity/indigenous-initiatives/national-mmiwg-awareness
- National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Inquiry publications
- No more stolen sisters, Amnesty International Canada
- Native Women’s Association of Canada, Action Plan
- Safe Passage, a NWAC initiative
Local events to honour Red Dress Day on May 5:
Beendigen and Shelter House are hosting a memorial walk, vigil, and feast in honour of Red Dress Day. Join the walk around the Marina followed by a feast at the Baggage Building Art Centre (on the Marina grounds, beside the Skate Park). The event will start at Celebration Circle (by the boat launch) at 3:00 p.m.