Today, May 5, is Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.
Across Canada, Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ community members continue to experience disproportionate levels of violence. Red Dress Day is a time to honour those who are missing and murdered, to hold space for grief, and to reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonial violence and systemic inequities.
At IWAV, we see the impacts of this violence in our own communities. Through our programs—including Outreach, counselling, transitional housing, and our 24/7 Crisis Line—we support individuals and families who are experiencing or healing from violence and abuse.
We know that responding to violence is only part of the work. Our vision is community working together to eliminate violence and abuse—through direct support, safe and stable housing, prevention, advocacy, and education.
Taking Action in Our Community
Red Dress Day is not only about remembrance, it is also a call to action. There are meaningful ways to contribute to safer communities:
- Learn about the impacts of gender-based and colonial violence, and continue listening to Indigenous voices and leadership
- Support local anti-violence work by donating to IWAV or shopping at our Transitions Thrift Store, where all proceeds directly support IWAV programs and services
Every action—whether it is learning, sharing, donating, or showing up—contributes to change.
We each have a role to play in creating communities where Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people are safe, valued, and free from violence.
