First Nations Women’s Council Makes Statement on Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender Diverse People (MMIWG2S)

(Toronto, ) – The Chiefs of Ontario First Nations Women’s Council issued a statement in advance of Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender Diverse People (MMIWG2S) which will occur on Sunday May 5, 2024.

“May 5 is a day to honour and remember Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. As women leaders, it is our responsibility to amplify their voice, advocate for justice, and work towards ending the violence that plagues our communities,” said First Nations Women’s Council members.

The implementation of a Red Dress Alert has been slow moving, with New Democratic Party Member of Parliament Leah Gazan leading the push for a national alert system to be put in place. On March 19, 2024, on behalf of the House of Commons, MP Gazan announced the beginning of their formal study for the proposed Red Dress Alert System. One month after the announcement, the 2024 Federal Budget revealed a $1.3 million investment over a three-year period for the implementation of the alert system.

However, Federal Budget 2024’s commitment to the safety of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people continues to fall short of what is needed. Due to this budgeting shortfall, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Gary Anandasangaree has suggested piloting the Red Dress Alert in specific regions before implementing on a national scale.

Frustration with the slow-moving progress in introducing such a critical tool for saving lives is felt by our First Nations communities. Early alert programs have been proven to be effective, and the Red Dress Alert will undoubtedly be a crucial step in advancing the safety measures around MMIWG2S. As we work to raise awareness surrounding the crisis, we need to stay committed to supporting these efforts.

The Women’s Council continues to advocate for priorities identified by our families and communities including a healing fund, community safety planning and a more coordinated approach to ensuring accessibility to needed services for all First Nations communities across Ontario.

On Red Dress Day, we honour all who have been impacted by violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+. By wearing red and supporting our communities and each other, we take this day as an opportunity to stand in solidarity and demand justice for those who have been affected.

First Nations Women’s Council

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The Chiefs of Ontario support all First Nations in Ontario as they assert their sovereignty, jurisdiction and their chosen expression of nationhood. Follow Chiefs of Ontario on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ChiefsOfOntario.

Media Contact:

Isak Vaillancourt
Communications Manager
Chiefs of Ontario
Telephone: 416-819-8184
Email: isak.vaillancourt@coo.org

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