May 5 is Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People.

It’s a day to honour the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people who have been lost to violence, and to stand with the families and communities who are left carrying grief.

Red Dress Day has its roots in the REDress Project, created by Métis artist Jaime Black. The image of the red dress has become a powerful symbol and calls attention to the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people across Canada.

The Office of the Treaty Commissioner encourages all people to wear red on May 5 as a visible act of remembrance and solidarity. Wearing red is one way to show that those who are missing are not forgotten.

This day is also a call to action. The violence faced by Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people is rooted in ongoing impacts of colonialism, systemic racism, and inequities. Meaningful change requires continued learning, reflection, and action.

The OTC encourages people to engage with the Calls to Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, to support Indigenous-led initiatives, and to work toward safer, more equitable spaces for Indigenous Peoples.

Red Dress Day is not only about awareness—it is about responsibility. Together, we must continue the work of truth, justice, and reconciliation.