Hundreds gather to mark Red Dress Day in Winnipeg

Hundreds of people have gathered at Portage and Main in Winnipeg for a round dance on Red Dress Day, honoring the Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited (MMIWG2S) people who have been murdered or gone missing in Canada.

“We’re here to gather in response to national Red Dress Day, in response to MMIWG2S+ family members that we have lost to violence,” explained Alayah McIvor, who attended Red Dress Day march. “It shows a lot. It shows a lot of where we need to go and where we’ve come from and where we could go.”

Between 2016 and 2021, 247 Indigenous women were identified as victims of homicide. Earlier this week, a motion to declare the continued loss of MMIWG2S people as a Canada-wide emergency was passed in the House of Commons.

Hundreds gather to mark Red Dress Day in Winnipeg. (Photo Credit: Alex Karpa, CityNews)

Lorena Laquette says this violence needs to stop. “We’re here gathering as women to stand up for our rights. No more stolen sisters.”

Items from the sacred bundle of the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S+ are on display at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg this weekend. The special display titled – “No more stolen sisters” – features a series of red dresses, quilts, banners, photographs, moccasins, clothing, and other items.

RELATED:

• Manitoba calling on feds to recognize MMIWG2S crisis as Canada-wide emergency
• IN PHOTOS: Winnipeg marks Red Dress Day

“We wanted to make sure that everyone was represented from across Canada because all of our people are affected,” said Cheryl James, three family members were murdered – her mom, stepmom, and sister.

“We’re sacred; we’re loved; we’re valued, and we want people to know that. We want our children to know that they are valued, that they are loved, and that we are going to create a safe space for them. There are people working hard for them.”

Jadyn James says it’s important for the next generation to continue making change.

“I would like to see my kids and my grandkids learn the language, keep themselves safe and not use drugs and stuff like that,” said Jadyn James.

Open Gallery 6 items

Nikki Komaksuitiksak’s sister was murdered in Winnipeg 22 years ago. She says Red Dress Day gives her the opportunity to reflect on the murder of her sister and share her voice for the voiceless.

“People need to be aware of the genocide that is happening to our women and girls across the county and people need to feel it so that changes can be made, and changes can be done.”

Komaksuitiksak says it’s not only important to bring awareness on Red Dress Day, but every day.

“Say something, stick up for them because if you stay silent, nothing gets. But if we can stand united, then changes can actually happen.”